Dear Editor:
It’s hard to believe how much time has passed since my last note, and how much we have accomplished together in that time.
One highlight: Elora’s Longest Barbecue, held on July 29 to kick off Food Day Canada in honour of Canadian food, local farmers and Elora legend Anita Stewart. This year brought together 12,000 people in celebration. What an incredible moment for our town!
Today, I’m excited to share something close to our hearts: we’ve officially broken ground on the restoration of the Walser Building.
If you live in Elora, you probably know this building well, having stood by the Grand River for generations. The Walser Building has survived floods, fires and the rise and fall of industry. It’s a proud symbol of Elora’s heritage.
When we purchased the Walser Building in 2011, it was in rough shape – fragile, deteriorating and in need of constant intervention just to keep it standing. After a thorough design process, including collaboration and approvals by the Centre Wellington Heritage Committee, we proceeded with the removal of the unsafe building remnants and installation of construction fencing in late 2023.
This restoration is the final piece in our eight-building heritage revitalization as part of the Elora Mill redevelopment. The newly restored Walser Building will be a beautiful addition to The Elora Mill, rebuilt using original stone and designed to honour its original shape and character.
We’re especially proud that we’re working with local experts and craftspeople, including a design consultant whose grandfather once owned and ran the Walser Building with his brothers. Hearing his family stories (and others from the Walser family) has made this project feel even more special.
Elora means so much to us, and we’re committed to keeping you, our community, involved every step of the way.
We can’t wait to share more as the work progresses.
Aaron Ciancone/Jocelyn Maurice,
Elora