Erin Heritage Mill

Jul 17

An interesting update on the derelict Erin Mill I first photographed in 2021.

I discovered this abandoned mill while visiting the village of Erin, Ontario in 2021. Walking along the picturesque main thoroughfare of the village I did not discover the old mill site until I wandered down a back street along the West Credit River. Always ready with my camera, I was pleased to take some interesting photos of this historical site. I did some research to discover a remarkable story on the mill.

Subsequent research revealed that the mill was constructed as a water-powered grist mill by Daniel McMillan in 1849, one of Erin’s founding figures. Tragically Daniel McMillan did not live to see his dream come true. On December 14th, Daniel got a sliver in his finger will traveling by wagon to Toronto to pick up the mill stones for the nearly competed mill. Three days later December 17th, Daniel died from blood poisoning at age 38. The mill commenced operations shortly thereafter, on December 22nd. The four-story limestone building endures, although the roof was in a state of considerable deterioration, and public access to the interior was restricted due to boarding.

Recently I had a chance to revisit the site this summer in 2025 to find the old mill is being restored as the town’s new Library. The town’s new $12.8-million library branch is slated to open to the public shortly in September. The village of Erin with a population of 11,000 is located approximately 80 kilometers Northwest of Toronto.

It's great to see a building with so much history in the community being repurposed with a new lease on life. You never know what unexpected finds are to be made when you wander off the beaten path! An interesting addition to the village’s early industry and heritage while meeting contemporary needs.