An official ceremony will mark the startup of a new water wheel at the Keremeos Grist Mill this weekend, July 30, 2017.
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July 28, 2017 - 9:00 PM
KEREMEOS - The Grist Mill in Keremeos has a new waterwheel.
The 1877 mill’s waterwheel was rebuilt this spring in authentic fashion after being out of commission for nearly a year. A ceremony is planned at the site, located on Upper Bench Road in Keremeos, to open the flume and fire up the new waterwheel.
“It’s a once in a generation moment we’d like to share with the community," mill operator Chris Mathieson says.
Waterwheels at the mill have historically lasted 15 years before needing replacement. The previous wheel suffered a structural failure in 2016.
Mathieson says funding was secured from the Heritage Branch of the province to build a historically accurate replacement.
Former mill general manager Cuyler Page also lent his considerable historical and craftsman expertise to the project.
Sunday’s, July 30, event takes place at 3 p.m. and includes a champagne toast, ceremonial opening of the flume, displays and other attractions.
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News from © iNFOnews, 2017