Notice of Intention to Designate 34, 36, 38 Mill Street as a Property of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest

Pursuant to Section 29 (3) of the Ontario Heritage Act, R.S.O. 1990, C. O.18

Dated and published on the municipal website the 25th day of June 2026.

Description of Property

The property, 34, 36, 38 Mill Street, located on lower Mill Street next to an empty lot, is part of a commercial street wall with buildings set flush against the sidewalk running east to Bridge Street. The flat-roofed, two-storey structure is divided into three storefronts, each with a ground-level entrance and three large second-floor windows featuring stone sills and lintels. Brick pilasters separate the building sections, while decorative coursing defines the cornice. A pressed metal secondary cornice separates the first and second stories. The west wall is painted with a large advertisement for “Black Watch CHEWING TOBACCO ‘A Man’s Chew.’”

Statement of Cultural Heritage Value or Interest

The cultural heritage value of the Black Watch Building lies in the building being a good example early 20th century commercial architecture, its traditional function as part of Almonte’s main street and the commercial history of the town.  It contributes to the distinctive character of Almonte’s historic core and is included in the Downtown Almonte Heritage Conservation District.

The Black Watch Building has design value as a main street commercial structure. It is part of a streetwall featuring buildings set flush against the sidewalk running east to Bridge Street. A flat-roofed, two-storey structure, it is divided into three storefronts, each with a ground-level entrance and three large second-floor windows featuring stone sills and lintels. Brick pilasters separate the building sections, while decorative coursing defines the cornice. A pressed metal secondary cornice separates the first and second stories. The west wall is painted with a large advertisement for “Black Watch Chewing Tobacco” and there is a faint “ghost sign” with the word SHAMROCK also evident on the wall.

The Black Watch Building has historical value because of its function as part of Mill Street, Almonte’s leading commercial street. As the third building on the lot, it was constructed in 1909–1910, soon after a fire destroyed the three-storey brick building previously on the site, which had also replaced a mid-19th century building destroyed by fire. The decision to rebuild quickly reflects the importance of the lost businesses to Almonte’s main commercial street.

The Black Watch Building has contextual value through its location on Mill Street, Almonte’s historic main street and a well-preserved cultural heritage landscape. Since the early 19th century, Mill Street has played an important role in the town’s economic and social life. Home to a wide range of small businesses and many of Almonte’s earliest mills, it has also long served as a gathering place and the setting for public celebrations such as parades.

Description of Heritage Attributes

Key exterior elements that contribute to the heritage value of the Black Watch Building, 34, 36, 38 Mill Street as a good example of early 20th century commercial main street architecture include:

• Two storey massing with flat roof;
• Three bay front façade, with each bay occupied by a different business;
• Simple brick pilasters dividing the upper storey into three and marking the corners;
• Red brick exterior cladding, laid in common bond;
• Remaining elements of the original storefronts in evidence at 36 Mill Street;
• Scalloped metal secondary cornice with brackets and semi-circular rosettes separating first and second storeys;
• Decorative brick coursing at the roof line;
• Painted “Black Watch Chewing Tobacco” sign, with SHAMROCK ghost sign evident underneath;
• Location on a bend in Mill Street, on the front property lot line.

Objections

Please be advised that any person wishing to object to this designation may do so under the objection process set out in Section 29 (5) of the Ontario Heritage Act by giving the Clerk of the Municipality of Mississippi Mills, within 30 days after the online publication of this notice, or before 4 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026.

This notice must be sent by registered mail or delivered to the Clerk of the Municipality of Mississippi Mills and must set out the reason for the objection and all relevant facts. If a notice of objection is received, the Council of the Municipality of Mississippi Mills shall consider the objection and make a decision whether or not to withdraw the notice of intention to designate the property within 90 days after the end of the 30-day objection period. If Council decides not to withdraw its intention to designate, a heritage designation by-law must be passed within 120 days after the date of publication of the notice of intention to designate. Council must publish a Notice of Passing of the designation by-law which is followed by a 30-day appeal period when appeals of the by-law may be given to the Ontario Land Tribunal for a hearing and decision.

For further information, please contact the Development Services and Engineering Department – 613-256-2064 or mplanner@mississippimills.ca.