Improving Access to Cultural Spaces in Eastern Ontario

News Release

The Government of Canada supports renovations to the Spencerville Mill

January 22, 2014 – Spencerville, Ontario – Department of Canadian Heritage

The Government of Canada is providing $20,000 through the Canada Cultural Spaces Fund to support improvements to the Spencerville Mill. The funding will allow the Spencerville Mill Foundation to renovate and improve the mill’s physical conditions and provide the community with increased access to cultural activities.

Gord Brown, Member of Parliament (Leeds–Grenville), made the announcement today on behalf of the Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

Quick Facts

Located on the South Nation River in eastern Ontario, the Spencerville Mill is a historically designated grist mill that is one of the last remaining grain mills that retains its milling machinery.
The 200-year-old mill also functions as a small local museum, a tourism site and a community hub for public festivals, educational events and private functions.
The renovations will improve the mill’s fire safety and lighting systems, which will allow for the expansion of the available space used by the community as a venue for cultural events.
The Government of Canada previously supported the Spencerville Mill’s annual Heritage Fair through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program with funding of $28,100 in 2013 and $78,100 in 2012.

Quotes

“Our Government is proud to increase access for Canadians to significant cultural spaces like the Spencerville Mill that contribute to the preservation of our history.”

—The Honourable Shelly Glover, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages

“I am pleased the Government of Canada is providing funding to upgrade the Spencerville Mill—an important and historic space that provides our community with access to a variety of cultural experiences.”

–Gord Brown, Member of Parliament (Leeds–Grenville)

“The Spencerville Mill Foundation is very pleased to learn of Canadian Heritage's contribution of $20,000 towards our Exhibition and Programming Expansion Project. Renovation of the Mill's upper level will enhance our interpretation of the operation of a grist mill and its pivotal role in the evolution of our rural community, while also improving our ability to carry out more community-based partnerships and programming. As custodians of the last remaining grist mill on the South Nation River, we are thankful for the Government of Canada’s assistance in maintaining Spencerville Mill as a focal point for the social and economic well-being of our community.”

—Sheila Fawcett, Chair, Spencerville Mill Foundation