The St. James Assiniboia Pioneers Association is seeking $600,000 [1] to fund preservation work and keep Grant's Old Mill operational.
The fundraising effort is critical because the mill is currently closed. Without these funds, the site risks losing the functionality of its water wheel, which serves as a centerpiece for the heritage location on the bank of Sturgeon Creek in Winnipeg, Manitoba [2].
Grant's Old Mill is a 1974 [1] replica of a historic site. The original mill was built by Cuthbert Grant in 1829 [1]. The current structure was designed to honor that Métis history and provide a tangible link to the region's early industrial, and cultural past.
Preservationists are now calling for community support to ensure the site does not fall into further disrepair. The campaign focuses on the technical requirements of the water wheel, and the general upkeep of the facility to prevent permanent closure [2].
Reporter Ainsley McPhail said the funds are needed to maintain the site as a public resource [3]. The association is urging donors to contribute to the $600,000 [1] goal to ensure the wheel continues to turn for future generations.
Because the mill is a replica rather than the original 1829 [1] structure, the preservation efforts focus on maintaining the architectural integrity of the 1974 [1] build while honoring the legacy of the original pioneer settlement. The site remains a significant landmark for the St. James Assiniboia community.
“The mill is closed and needs $600,000 to keep the historic water wheel turning.”
The struggle to fund Grant's Old Mill reflects a broader challenge in heritage preservation where replicas of historical sites must compete for limited funding against original artifacts. Because the site commemorates the 1829 Métis mill, its operational status is tied to the community's desire to maintain a visual and mechanical representation of early Manitoba history.
