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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Brussels Post, 1976-01-21, Page 3:i0r""Arl'tW' VairN,Y."174fir" `.'"V FALLING APART The porch roof on one, side of the old Logan Mill on the Maitland Valley Conservition Authority property in Brussels is in Pre* rough shape. MVCA resources manager Ian A.e •;,..;;KV, Deslaurier says the roof will be repaired in the spring. The authority eventually plans to restore the mill and, have it staffed. by people who can explain how thin& worked in the good old days. ($taff Photo) • The Maitland Valley,Conserva- tion Authority has plans for the Logan Mill-and dam property in Brussels, but no money available to do much rightenow, according 'to MVCA resources manager Ian Deslaurier. Conservation, authori., " ties , have been told by the province to freeze their budgets at last year's level. MVCA plans a "long term restoration project" at the mill and would eventually like to see an operating mill inside the old building, staffed by senior citi- zens who could conduct tours and explain the old time milling process. Mr. Deslaurier said he is aware that the porch roof of the mill is falling down. 'It's been repaired once and it'll be repaired again in the. spring." SWEEP crews have done some clean up,work on the property other summefs and Mr. Deslaurier said they will do some more work there this year. But as soon as a building like the Sold mill is fixed up, 'with windows put in, the MVCA has found there are problems with vandals. That's why the resources manager says he hopes to get some 'Brussels senior' citizens interested in staffing the mill. If the mill is in use and there are people. touring it with guides to' tell them how the mill operated, vandalism Is much less likely. Mr. Deslaurier says he hopes to approach local senior citizens this summer. "Without local support, we can't hope to do anything," he said. • I A ' MVCA plans restoration The LO an Mill won't fall down MVCA also plans to rnake minor repairs to the dam near the mill and eventually restore the overflow structure. They've bought land downstream from the dam and plan to put picnic' tables and barbecues in there, he said. In three or four years) the conservation authority would like to ' have a water wheel and the mill machinery in action. "We want to gdt the building 'open with staff • first, then, we'll spend further money as needed," Mr. Deslaurier said. , "We're trying to do something, but it's a slow process.'s? The resources manager gave a "ball- park estimate" that the cost of getting the mill in. shape as a restored 'and working historical site at $10,000 to $15,000. Costs would depend, he said, on grants available, and on whether senior citizens helping with the project were paid or volunteers. 'RVAT AREA 1`) DiVE.,1a) MAITLAND VA' CONSERVA° TO E DEVELOPED. 'That'S what the sign says but many Brussels residents are 'woefied about 'lack of maintenance 'by the Maitland' Wiley Conservation. Authority. Of the oltr.Logth reitrusters, 1\1h/0A's:aye lack of funds' hampers`theirwijtk. but. that fetiala are planned the toting, . (Staff Photo)'. THE VIEW: AROUND THE -CORNER, The Maitland' 'flows past the. old loon Mill, Owned Since abOtit 1970 by the. Maitland Valley COntehiatiOn Authority The Authority hopes to make the. testoted. mill 'part ofatohteevatioh area for the village vend Is aotitlitintr river-side btoperty, they hope to put picnic tables and batbedileeln an area downetteatiri. from the mill. (Staff PhotO1 THEARUSSELS POSti JANUARY 114 1916 Ay.