Historic Grain Elevator Set for Revival After Major Federal Funding Boost

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

SCUGOG: A defining landmark, on Port Perry’s waterfront, is poised for a new chapter, following a major federal funding announcement.

The Township of Scugog, through the efforts of the volunteer-led charity PPGE Renovation & Revitalization Inc. (PPGE), has been successful in securing $500,000 from the Government of Canada’s Legacy Fund, to support the restoration and revitalization of the Port Perry Grain Elevator, commonly known as the Old Mill. The funding is administered by the Department of Canadian Heritage and represents a critical first step in safeguarding one of the community’s most significant historic structures.

Located at the corner of Queen and Water streets, the Township-owned grain elevator is widely recognized as Canada’s oldest standing wood crib grain elevator. Built in 1874, by entrepreneur George Currie, the structure played a key role in Port Perry’s early agricultural economy, serving as a hub for grain storage and trade, along Lake Scugog. Today, it stands as a rare and enduring symbol of Ontario’s agricultural and industrial heritage.

The $500,000 grant represents a key source of initial funding, toward the estimated $2 million total cost of the project, and will help halt ongoing deterioration, while placing the 150-year-old building in proper condition for future public use. The project is not intended to be funded through the municipal tax base, with the balance of funds to be raised through charitable donations and fundraising efforts led by PPGE.

“This amount marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the elevator and the community [which] calls it home,” said Mayor Wilma Wotten, praising the dedication of the volunteer team behind the project. “Our grain elevator is more than just a landmark, it’s a testament to our heritage and a symbol of our commitment to revitalization. As the oldest of its kind in Canada, it connects our rich history to our future ambitions.”

Over the years, the future of the grain elevator has been the subject of discussion and several unrealized proposals, including past attempts at public-private partnerships which ultimately failed to move forward. While the building remained under Township ownership, the lack of sustainable funding left its long-term preservation uncertain. Ahead of the Pan Am Games torch run making its way through the downtown area, in the spring of 2015, the building was painted red with the white ‘Port Perry’ lettering added to the top.

That changed in 2023, when Jeff Fleischmann and Steve Harrison began advancing a community-driven approach focused on heritage conservation and charitable fundraising. Their efforts led to the incorporation of PPGE Renovation & Revitalization Inc., as a not-for-profit organization, in October of 2023, followed by its registration as a charity in July 2024.

“We’re truly delighted to share this announcement alongside the Township of Scugog,” said Steve Harrison of PPGE. “Restoring Canada’s oldest grain elevator is more than just a heritage project. With support from the Legacy Fund, this restoration will allow our community to proudly share its rich history for generations to come.”

Mr. Fleischmann appeared before Scugog Township council, on Monday, January 26th, outlining a carefully phased, four-stage restoration plan and stressing the importance of fiscal responsibility. Mr. Fleischmann noted, because of when the funding became available, PPGE will move ahead, by starting the restoration with Phase 2 of the project. He emphasized, “no phase will take place unless we have the money to do it.”

Council also received a staff report from, Chief Administrative Officer, Warren Mar, recommending approval of the next steps in the project and the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), between the Township and PPGE. The agreement would outline responsibilities related to construction, project management, fundraising, liability, and communications, while ensuring the project proceeds at no direct cost to Township taxpayers.

As a result of the revised sequencing, Phase 2 will now focus on interior restoration and stabilization, with some minor exterior work, where required, to support the interior improvements. Future phases, subject to fundraising success and council approval, could include: full exterior restoration; the installation of a glass elevator, offering views of the structure’s historic interior; restoration of the upper level; and revitalization of the adjacent park area, to better integrate the site into downtown Port Perry.

The Township recognizes this grant was only successful due to the years-long effort and commitment of Mr. Harrison and Mr. Fleischmann, the staff report noted.

The project is expected to extend through 2029, as additional funds are raised, with each phase requiring council approval before work begins. While the future uses of the building will remain at the discretion of the Township, the long-term vision is to transform the Old Mill into a vibrant, programmable community space which honours its past, while serving residents and visitors alike.

As Port Perry looks ahead, the Old Mill; long a silent witness to the town’s history, now appears set to once again play an active role in its future.