NEWS RELEASE
THE COLDWATER MILL HERITAGE FOUNDATION
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The Coldwater Mill Heritage Foundation is delighted to announce that work on the second floor of the historic Coldwater Mill as a Cultural Centre including Indigenous displays is now finished, and will be celebrating its grand opening on Sunday, June 12 from 1 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Thanks to receiving a $150,000 capital grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation grant in 2019, the Foundation was able to carry out a number of upgrades to the space.
“The picturesque Coldwater Mill has always been an integral part of the history of Coldwater for not only my own family, but for generations of families in the area,” said Jill Dunlop, MPP for Simcoe North. “I am excited for the community and visitors who will benefit from the restoration and upgrades to the building, ensuring safety and accessibility for many years to come.”
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. This 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.
A Cultural Centre is being set up to exhibit local history and artefacts, specifically from the neighbouring Hillsdale Mill, which is to be demolished. The area will accommodate the display of work from local artists and artisans, the hosting of artisan workshops, children's hands-on experiences, the Coldwater Mill Christmas Market, the Coldwater and Area Studio Tour and a meeting place for community groups and events.
To celebrate the Coldwater Mill’s Ojibwa First Nation’s ownership in the 1830’s Indigenous Displays will highlight the Indigenous culture through artefacts, artwork and student work.
The Coldwater Mill Heritage Foundation is grateful to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for providing the funding for the infrastructure to make its Cultural Centre a reality. The Foundation also appreciated the support of the community in providing a space to celebrate area history, support local artisans and to provide a place for groups to gather.
The community is invited to join the Grand Opening Celebration on June 12 for a ribbon cutting ceremony, complimentary barbecue, Mill tours, childrens’ activities and live music with local musician, Dylan Lock. The Coldwater Mill is located at 1 Mill Street, Coldwater, Ontario L0K 1E0.
The Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is an agency of the Government of Ontario, and one of Canada’s leading granting foundations. OTF awarded $115 million to 644 projects last year to build healthy and vibrant communities in Ontario. For more information, please visit: www.otf.ca
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