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
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Man convicted of involuntary manslaughter in father's drowning, told police he was baptizing him
A Massachusetts man who told police he was exorcising a demon and performing a baptism when he shoved his father's head under water multiple times has been convicted of involuntary manslaughter in his death.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.
Are Canadians getting sick from expired food?
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.