The 1877 water driven mill is one of six such mills celebrated in a 2010 commemorative stamp series from Canada Post. It is the only one operating west of Ontario.
Millar Heritage Holdings are the operators contracted with the province of BC’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture and The Arts.
Mill Operator, Jim Millar, expects to hire as many as three students this summer to assist with maintenance and site interpretation.
Keremeos Grist Mill and Gardens features a demonstration orchard above the mill and a creekside esplanade for strolling and play, a walking bridge, café and gift shop, heritage gardens, an Apple Storage House, a period outdoor kitchen, the old Hudson’s Bay store and the 1877 Grist Mill itself which was brought back to running condition through the 1990’s.
Special supporters of what locals call their “heritage treasure” have been Similkameen Wineries Association members, The Village of Keremeos, Rural Keremeos area “G”, Keremeos Valu Plus Grocery, Similkameen Country Tourism and the member volunteers of The Grist Mill Heritage Club.
This year The Grist Mill Foundation will receive charity status through Customs and Revenue Canada. They pursue private and public grant monies to further maintain, restore and improve the Keremeos Grist Mill and Gardens
2011 Canada Day Celebrations at The Keremeos Grist Mill and Gardens will feature the popular Kettle Valley Brakemen.
Highway signage directs travellers to the site located immediately south of the Hwy 3A and Upper Bench Road in Rural Keremeos.
The mill and gardens will be open every day from 9 am to 4 pm through to September.
For more information e-mail info@oldmillgardens.ca. or call 250-499-2888