McLean Mill Renovations Underway

By David Wiwchar PORT ALBERNI — Construction isn't cheap, and volunteers at McLean Mill are trying to stretch a $25,000 grant into much needed repairs on four buildings.

The McLean House, the cookhouse, office and locomotive shed will all get repaired.

Manager Neil Malbon says it’s the biggest concentrated effort the National Historic Site has seen in a while.

The money is from the Heritage Legacy Fund – a joint initiative of The Land Conservancy and the Heritage Society of BC.

Its purpose is to provide support for high standards of heritage conservation throughout the province.

Curator Kirsten Smith says "the fact that people can enter the buildings, and experience how they were used, gives visitors an immediate sense of the past."

Earlier this year, more than 20 volunteers spent some time shoring up the Sawyer's House and removing an annex.

Malbon says donations to the McLean Mill help stretch the grant monies, and donations of volunteer time and supplies are also appreciated.