“It is time to make history,” said Pearle Hospitality president Aaron Ciancone.
Those words marked the official groundbreaking at the north side Elora Mill site on Nov. 24.
Project manager Brian Blackmere added, “I’m very excited to be here at the groundbreaking event for the mill.”
Centre Wellington Mayor Kelly Linton stated, “over the last few years, we’ve seen a lot of concepts and plans and it is so exciting to finally be officially breaking ground.”
The mayor said he is thrilled with the potential jobs and investment, but, “Even more than that, I’m thrilled with the passion that Aaron (Ciancone) and his family and Pearle has about doing things right.
“There is no question in my mind when this project is completed, it will be something people in Centre Wellington and Elora can be proud of, that Pearle can be proud of and visitors from across the world can be proud of.”
Linton explained Pearle worked closely with Heritage Centre Wellington, the volunteer group that advises council on heritage matters.
“As a town, we also have had a role to play … We wanted to play an active role in this project,” said Linton. “There are things outside of our control, but we didn’t want to be a barrier to this project going ahead.”
Linton said the township implemented a very aggressive community improvement plan that allowed for some tax incentives.
“In addition, we committed close to $2 million … to build the Victoria Street pedestrian bridge and the downtown West Mill Street work.
“We recognized there is millions of dollars being spent (by Pearle) in the heart of Elora and we wanted to make sure that we came through and that the whole town is going to benefit from this integrated project.
“I can’t wait to see what this streetscape is going to look like with the new Elora Mill at the end. It’s really exciting.”
Constituency assistant Karen Thomas spoke on behalf of Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott, who was unable to attend.
“I wish to extend warm congratulations to Pearle Hospitality and the Township of Centre Wellington on today’s goundbreaking event,” Arnott wrote in a letter.
“We are thrilled the revitalization of the Elora Mill is underway and we share your enthusiastic belief that Elora’s potential as tourism destination is unlimited.”
His comments included, “I have always believed the scenic beauty of our province and the generous hospitality of our people give Ontario a significant competitive advantage in tourism. The world will come to us and we will welcome our visitors warmly.”
Arnott stated, “by renovating an extraordinary and heritage property and expanding it with modern amenities and attractions, you are giving our local economy a forward boost that will be felt for decades.
“When completed, the Elora Mill and Spa will take its place as one of Canada’s finest hospitality designations.”
Pearle Hospitality president Aaron Ciancone commented, “We don’t usually do groundbreaking ceremonies, but we are today, because Elora is special.”
Ciancone spoke of the special nature of the Grand River, the gorge, the stories of the Six Nations people who lived in the area, the character of the village, and the Elora Mill itself.
“The mill is something more than special, it is why we are all here undertaking this ambitious plan. With the new Elora Mill we are going to do things right,” said Ciancone. “We’re not only going to preserve the past of this magnificent structure and setting, we’re going to make history.”
Ciancone quipped that he belonged to probably the only family in Canada in 2016 which has always made its living from grist mills … transforming them, honouring them and running them as top end dining and event facilities.
“Yet even for us, the plans for the Elora Mill are unprecedented,” he added.
The project is comprised of three phases:
– the mill restoration;
– the condominium development on the south side of the river, and
– a retail village and more hotel rooms across the river.
Ciancone said phase one is to open in winter 2018.
“In total, all three phases will take five years and $120 million to complete. No question about it, this is a big project.”
He noted the old mill used the river to make something new, the new mill will do the same by producing electricity.
When completed, the one-megawatt generator will produce enough energy for 650 homes or the entirety of the development.
“Our philosophy … is about place – not importing exotic themes or mimicking trendy designs – but drawing from what is already here.”
Ciancone described the building architecture as modern, but coherent with the surrounding elements of stone and water. He added, the rooms will feature local crafts and artwork.
Ciancone said staff will not only be trained to provide world class service, but able to tell guests the stories that made this section of the Grand River a site of romance and mystery for hundreds of years.
Chefs will provide classically-inspired dishes made by produce from nearby farms.
“True greatness is rare, but I believe you can create it in any place where the raw elements of greatness are available,” said Ciancone.
“Elora possesses these elements … it always has. That is the secret all of us here already know.”
Ciancone concluded, “There is something magical about this place … now it is time for Canada and the rest of the world to see.”
