Kelowna Spending $210,000 to Protect Historic Building

Brent's Grist Mill (furthest right) stands by the Fleming House and the Dairy Shed at the base of Dilworth Mountain by the railroad tracks. (Photo Credit: KelownaNow.com)

A heritage building is going to be saved from deterioration thanks to a $210,000 investment from Kelowna City Council.

The building in question is Brent’s Grist Mill, which was built in 1870-1871 for Fredrick Brent and marked the first ever industrial enterprise in the entire Okanagan Valley. This mill is a rare surviving representation of building practices from pioneer times, and it was a key structure in the business history of the Okanagan. Brent’s Grist Mill is also the oldest surviving purpose-built grist building in all of Western Canada.

Photo Credit: City of Kelowna Agenda

A consultant did a conservation report this spring of the building, finding that stabilization was necessary to stop the building from deteriorating. This conservation work would protect the historic landmark until its long-term use is determined.

The conservation work necessary involves repairs to the roof structure, shingles, wood siding, doors, windows, floor, and foundation beams. Basically, crews would be enclosing the building to protect it from the elements and securing it from unwanted humans and animals.

The current state of Brent's Grist Mill on Tuesday. (Photo Credit: KelownaNow.com)

City Council discussed how they wished they had the heritage review finished to get a big picture to see the city’s biggest priorities. However, all councillors voted in favour of the stabilization project to protect this heritage building from deteriorating beyond repair.

The Brent’s Grist Mill is in Brent’s Mill Heritage Park along with the Fleming House and the Dairy Shed at the base of Dilworth Mountain. When asked by Council, city staff said there had previously had been some interesting ideas on how the site could be used for tourism, with possible discussion for agricultural corridor. The Okanagan Rail Corridor runs right beside the park as well, and when the recreation corridor gets going, it could bring more attention to the entire heritage park.

The conservation work on the mill is set to be complete by fall 2015, just in time for Brent’s Grist Mill to be sealed from the winter weather.

Holes are clearly visible on the historic mill. (Photo Credit: KelownaNow.com)

Photo Credit: KelownaNow.com