The accidental release of water from the log pond is draining political support for McLean’s Mill.
Hundreds of thousands of dollars are invested in the National Historic Site each year, and major renovation projects are constantly brought before council according to Mayor Sharie Minions, the latest being a new dam for the log pond.
“Beyond the pond, the steam train is not currently running, but then there’s also the tracks and the buildings that need repair,” said Minions. “I think that if we’re going to continue to operate the mill, and the site and the train, then our assets need to be properly taken care of.”
City Council approved upwards of $200,000 to repair the dam, and conduct testing around the pond and outfall areas to ensure public safety.
But Mayor Sharie Minions warned the city is not prepared to continue signing blank cheques to the mill.
Minions said council is considering a Committee of the Whole meeting in January, solely focused on the McLean’s Mill, and getting the National Historic Site back on track.
