A newly added second floor was unveiled Sunday at the Coldwater Mill during an outdoor celebration and open house.
Thanks to receiving a $150,000 capital grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation grant in 2019, a local group was able to carry out a number of upgrades to the space.
“The money has allowed us to bring the Coldwater Mill up to proper code, add on a new second floor to further our exhibits and will give the community better access to local history and artists,” said Gwen Robinson, chair of the Coldwater Mill Heritage Foundation. “We are also very fortunate with this new addition to be able to showcase history and artifacts from the Hillsdale Mill.”
The Hillsdale Mill is set to be demolished at a later date.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation’s grant helped with the costs of upgrading of the area to meet the current building, fire, and safety codes. The funding included the restoration and upgrading of the walls, floor, windows, ceiling, lighting, the installation of a lift and gas heaters.
The project allows access to the public to view the mill in its entirety with the old pulleys, gears, chutes, and belts and visualize how the Coldwater Mill operated for 162 years.
In addition to the public viewing of the renovations, there was also live entertainment, a barbecue/concession stand with a cake to help kickoff the opening, and a tent with activities for the kids.
“I think today is a very special day not only for the mill but for local history,” said Phyllis Smith, a longtime volunteer of the Coldwater Mill.
The new addition will play home to local history, exhibits and artifacts, as well as artwork from various artists and artisans, like Kyle Wallace, creator of Indigenous artwork.
Also in attendance Sunday was Severn Township Mayor Mike Burkett.
“What a wonderful day this is today. The sun is shining, and everyone is having fun," he said. "We need to remember all these hidden gems like the mill as not many are left, but most importantly, we need to remember and thank all the volunteers who delegate so much into a special place like this. Without them, we would be without the mill and one less history telling piece.”
You can visit and tour the Mill daily throughout the week and/or dine at their restaurant Riverside Hideaway Restaurant.
To find out more or visit the mill in person, visit the website.
