Members of Erin’s heritage committee are asking that council not choose expediency over preserving part of Hillsburgh’s heritage.
A letter from the Erin heritage committee advocating the preservation of the mill pond was discussed on June 6.
In that letter, members said the committee met to discuss concerns relating to the Station Road closure, remedies to fix or replace the culvert there and the possibility of losing the mill pond.
“The pond and the subsequent lower pond and dam were created to power the grist mill, built by Gooderham and Worts Company in the early 1850s. The mill processed the grain that was shipped to their group of buildings in Toronto, the historical area now known as the Distillery District,” the letter stated.
In addition, “The pond has provided a natural holding area for the headwaters of the Credit River, making its way southward; through the three lower ponds in Hillsburgh, before heading south to Erin and the West Credit River. The pond holds an abundance of aquatic life from the painted and snapping turtles, brown trout and more.”
It is home to many ducks and geese, as well as being on the migratory route of Snow Geese and Canada Geese. There are swans that make their summer home there.
The pond is adjacent to the (Elora-Cataract) Trail, a portion of the Trans Canada Trail.
“We have taken pride, as a community, to be caretakers of this trail, as it makes its way through this part of Erin,” the letter said.
Hillsburgh, and the town, through the Hills of the Headwaters, markets or portrays the community as a healthy place to live and visit.
The committee believes the pond is, or should be considered part of the local economy, for its potential for tourism, alongside the trail system, the Hillsburgh Heritage Park or the Century Church Theatre.
At one time at the end of George Street, on the north end of the mill pond, local land owners, the Awrey brothers had established a pavilion and band shell, as well as a wharf. It was once a popular recreation spot in Hillsburgh the committee said it needs to be preserved.
The letter said while public safety is a top priority in opening Station Road, some understanding of what may be lost in the process, needs to be addressed.
“History has created this natural environment in own town and it would be a shame to have it lost if only to expedite repairs. As with buildings of brick and mortar that we try to protect for heritage value, so we must try to protect our historic natural creations for the same reasons.”
Council’s resolution was to receive the letter for information.
Councillor Barb Tocher explained it was a discussion the committee had “and acting in an advisory capacity, they chose to send their thoughts to council.”
Tocher said there was even history within the letter she was unaware of.
She asked at the committee not to be part of the discussion because she would later be part of the decision at council.
