About Coldwater Heritage Mill

Beginning

This Landmark Grist Mill was constructed in 1833-34 for the Ojibway who had been settled on 3969 hectares (9800 acres) between the Coldwater River and the Narrows at Orillia on the western side of Lake Couchiching. In 1830 Sir John Colborne, Lieutenant Governor of Upper Canada created the Reserve upon which some 500 native people were settled. This was following a battle in which the natives had helped defend York, now Toronto from the Americans. The native leaders were Chief John Assance, William Muskuakie (Yellowhead) and Joseph Snake.

By 1831 a good start had been made on farming in the area and some five hundred bushels (17,500 litres) of grain had been harvested and it was evident that it was of little use unless a Grist Mill was established in the area.

Architecture

A master carpenter named Bell prepared the estimates for the construction of the Grist Mill for the Department of Indian Affairs, based on plans provided by George Philpotts of the Royal Engineers in 1831. The Grist Mill was to be 13.5 meters by 8.4 meters (45 feet by 28 feet) with three storeys 2.7 meters, 3.6 meters, and 1.5 meters, (nine feet, 12 feet, and five feet on a 1.5-meter (five-foot) foundation. Consisting of five bents using .3 by .3 meters (12 inch by 12 inch) timbers with 3.6 meters and 4.2 meters (12 foot and 14 foot beams.

In the winter of 1831 and 1832 the heavy equipment was purchased and moved to Coldwater as travel with such materials was easier in winter. By March of 1832 two sets of 1.35 meter, (four foot) French buhrstones, and the mill irons had arrived.

Construction

The sawmill was built first and the timbers for the Gristmill were prepared, however excavations for the dam and millrace went very slowly.

Now ready to go with construction of the mill Lieutenant James Givens, Chief Superintendent of Indian Affairs for Upper Canada, refused to provide funds for construction. In the end the natives who were desperate for the mill agreed the 800 pound cost of constructing the mill be deducted from their 1200 pound land money in 1833. They reduced the specifications lowering the costs and work began in early May 1833.

The mill was constructed under the supervision of a man named Anderson, the foreman was Jacob Gill and the Millwright was Henry Hodgson. The Grist Mill was built entirely with Native money. Givens also charged them for the millstones and irons sent up the year before.

The building was completed by the end of August and varied from the original specifications. It was 14.4 meters by 8.4 meters (forty-eight feet by 28 feet) and two storeys and there were six bents rather then five. An additional 400 pounds was required to finish the mill, and it was taken from the natives allotment in 1834.

Cultural Centre and Indigenous Displays

Coldwater, ON (May 2, 2022) – 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 1:00 until 4:00. 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, childrens’ 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, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. for a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, complimentary BBQ, 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

Gwen Robinson, Former Chair, Coldwater Mill Heritage Foundation

COLDWATER, Ontario. Canada

About Coldwater Heritage Mill

Beginning

Architecture

Construction

The Grounds

Memories of the Mill

Video 1

Photo 1

Restoration of Second Floor 2020 - 2021

The Coldwater Mill Heritage Foundation Board of Directors

Accessibility and Addition Build 2017

Cultural Centre and Indigenous Displays

Architects

Architects

Architects