At Monday’s board meeting for the Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA), Mississippi Mills Mayor Christa Lowry made a request for the Authority to pause its plans to divest itself of the R. Tait MacKenzie and James Naismith collections at their Mill of Kintail facility.
She stated the contributions of both Almonte natives had impacts far beyond their childhood home region.
She said the creation of the collections involved a trust that the MVCA should recognize and uphold.
The Mill of Kintail is far more than just a place for visitors to connect with nature and the area’s history according to Lowry.
The agreement to fund the upkeep of the collections with the Authority’s 11 member municipalities doesn’t run out until 2028, but a strategic plan for the future of the Mill is currently in the works.
We previously spoke with MVCA Board Chair Roy Huetl about the looming decision.
The MVCA’s general manager will appear before Mississippi Mills council later this fall to discuss next steps.
Story by Brian Turner
