End of an era: Two-century-old Ontario flour mill hits the market for $4.5M
The 202-year-old Arva Flour Mill just north of London, Ont., which has been in the same family for over a century, is up for sale.
The Matthews family has decided to consider offers, even though there are countless memories on the property
For Mike Matthews it’s all he’s ever known.
“We’ve had a lot of good times, but a lot of hardship and tragedy on the property here. I’ve got a young three-year-old daughter now, and it’s just time for a fresh start.”
Matthews has been operating the mill since 1999. He’s the fourth generation in his family to do that -- dating back to 1917 -- but he knows there isn’t a fifth generation ready to take over.
“It’s an awful decision to make, but we waited too long to have kids so I don’t have anyone to pass it down to. There comes a time when you just have to bite the bullet and decide to move on.”
The price for the oldest continuously-operated water-powered flour mill? Just under $4.5 million.
“Inside and out it’s a spectacular example of 200-year-old industrial architecture. It’s a true gem,” says Kelly McKeating, the president of the London branch of the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario
“What’s really neat is, it’s not a museum piece, it’s not something that you pay admission, and go and one day a month you might be lucky enough to see the machines turned on and the flour actually ground. They’re running a business.”
Matthews says they’ve kept it off the market in the hopes of making a private sale with someone who shares the same vision as his family.
“Find the right person to come in here, that won’t, that aren’t going to turn it into a parking lot, that aren’t going to put a highrise up. We don’t want to see any of that, just like no one else does.”
There’s already been interest, but Mattews says he’s not in a rush to sell, hoping someone with vision comes along -- and best-case scenario, someone who wants to keep the mill running for another century.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Montreal man on the hook for thousands of dollars after a feature on his Tesla caused an accident
A Montreal man is warning Tesla drivers about using the Smart Summon feature after his vehicle hit another in a parking lot.
Israel vows military operation 'in the very near future' following Hamas attack
Israel closed its main crossing point for delivering badly needed humanitarian aid for Gaza on Sunday after Hamas militants attacked it, reportedly wounding several Israelis, while the defense minister warned of "a powerful operation in the very near future in Rafah and other places across all of Gaza."
B.C. man wants homes for thousands of books he soon won't be able to read
In the 10 years since John William started to lose his vision, he's been finding new ways to enjoy his vast personal library.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
opinion You don't need to be an influencer to earn income from social media
How legitimate are claims by some content creators that the average person can earn passive income from social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram? Personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says it's quite possible, if you're willing to put in the initial time and effort.
William Shatner says he would consider 'Star Trek' return: 'Here comes Captain Kirk!'
The Montreal-born actor, famed for his portrayal of Captain Kirk in "Star Trek," says he is open to reprising the iconic role in the sci-fi franchise as long as the storytelling is stellar.
Chemical spill could be cause of stinky water in Puslinch, Ont., new report says
People living in Puslinch, Ont. may have the answer to why their water smelled so bad last year.
Mystik Dan wins the 150th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in a three-horse photo finish
Mystik Dan won the 150th Kentucky Derby in a photo finish, edging out Forever Young and Sierra Leone for the upset victory.
Madonna's biggest-ever concert transforms Rio's Copacabana beach into a massive dance floor
Madonna put on a free concert on Copacabana beach Saturday night, turning Rio de Janeiro's vast stretch of sand into an enormous dance floor teeming with a multitude of her fans.