New plan to restore Grant’s Old Mill

The St. James Assiniboia Pioneer Association has unveiled its plan to rebuild and reimagine the Grant’s Old Mill site.

A local organization is looking to breathe new life into a Winnipeg landmark.

Over the weekend, the St. James Assiniboia Pioneer Association announced its future plan for Grant’s Old Mill – a replica of a flour mill built in 1829 by Métis leader Cuthbert Grant.

The vision includes a refurbished mill, a Red River Métis Veterans Memorial, an amphitheatre and festival space for community programming, and an interpretive building with a café and artisan market.

The organization said it’s currently working to fundraise $850,000 for the restoration of the mill, which has been closed for two years due to structural concerns.

“[When] we look at actually who Cuthbert Grant was – he was a community leader. He brought the people together and that’s exactly what we’re doing again today,” said Tiffany Evans, president of the St. James Assiniboia Pioneer Association.

“When we look at that, that’s what we want to do, is we want to provide that education, we want to bring people back together.”

Former Premier Ed Schreyer opened the replica mill in 1975 as part of the city’s centennial celebration. Over the years, it became a historical museum and popular destination for school trips.

The St. James Assiniboia Pioneer Association hopes to reopen the landmark in 2028.