NEWS RELEASE
COLDWATER MILL HERITAGE FOUNDATION
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The Coldwater Mill Heritage Foundation is celebrating!
Last year the Coldwater Mill was successful in obtaining Canada 150 infrastructure funding to build an addition on the back of the structure.
Government funds were obtained from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (Ontario 150 Community Capital Program) the federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario and Employment and Social Development Canada (Enabling Fund - The Community Accessibility Stream).
In addition, donations were received from Severn Township, County of Simcoe, the Coldwater Lions’ Cub, The Coldwater Mill Heritage Foundation and several construction related businesses.
The two-storey addition constructed on the back of the mill includes a barrier-free entry and washroom along with a regular washroom, an assembly area and doors to the back yard. A staircase to the second floor and an exterior fire escape will allow an expansion of the museum to include the second floor.
Built into the addition is a cavity and infrastructure for a lift allowing future barrier-free access to the second floor. The washrooms will provide a service to the community, particularly during large community events that take place in Coldwater. In addition, the wall around the office has been removed to open up more museum space.
The Coldwater Mill Heritage Foundation was very fortunate to be offered milling equipment from the Rumble Mill in Hillsdale, which is in poor condition and scheduled for demolition. A team of retired tradesmen retrieved the milling pieces and delivered them to the Coldwater Mill with the assistance of the Simcoe County Museum
The volunteers are now in the process of installing and setting up the equipment for viewing by visitors. Eventually, we will highlight the history of the Hillsdale Mill.
The Coldwater Mill was built in 1833 for the Ojibwa First Nations people as a part of the Coldwater – Narrows Reserve which was created by the British government. The Mill was operational for 165 years, first as a grist mill and later as a feed mill.
After the Ojibwa were moved from the land, it was privately owned until 1995. The owner at that time was unable to sell the business, so he obtained a demolition permit for the building.
Concerned local people came together and collected $105,000 to purchase the old mill and formed the Coldwater Mill Heritage Foundation (CMHF) to save the building and preserve the local history.
Funding was sought and renovations were made to ensure the safety of the building and allow the public access to the mill. The building has since been designated a historic site by the Ontario Archeological and Historic Sites Board.
Today, visitors can experience the history of the mill through tours, more that 55 storyboards, video presentations and numerous artifacts.
The mill is open Saturdays in the spring and fall and daily from the second week in June until September from 10 to 4 p.m.
Children can enjoy hands-on activities. A Consignment Boutique, with items from more than 30 local artisans, all one-of-a-kind handcrafted items, runs all season in the mill.
The riverside setting with the Musical Barn, picnic tables etc. provides the perfect setting for family outings or private events, such as weddings. An onsite restaurant serves lunch and dinner five days a week.
The Coldwater Mill Open House and addition celebration will take place on Sunday from 1-3 p.m. under the Musical Barn. The CMHF will be recognizing and thanking all the supporters and contributors for our addition.
Everyone is welcome to come celebrate with us, tour the Mill and enjoy refreshments.
For more information, check out our new website: www.coldwatermill.com.
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