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Where the Past Meets Possibility at the Alton Mill Arts Centre

Discover how a piece of Ontario’s industrial past, became a place where art, heritage, and innovation converge.

Tucked along the banks of Shaw’s Creek in the heart of Caledon, the Alton Mill is more than just a beautiful building—it’s a living piece of Canadian history, carefully restored to spark creativity, community, and culture.

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Two men standing outdoors near a building under construction, one wearing a construction helmet, with a chimney and trees in the background.

From Industry to Inspiration—
the Story of the Alton Mill

In the mid-1800s, the village of Alton was a bustling industrial hub, home to sawmills, grist mills, and textile production powered by the energy of the river. Among these, one stood out: the Beaver Knitting Mill, founded in 1881 by local industrialist William Algie. Famous for producing fleece-lined long underwear (a Canadian essential!), the mill thrived for decades.

This sturdy stone structure has survived its fair share of drama. It withstood the Great Alton Flood of 1889, thanks to a dam that held when others gave way. But it wasn’t so lucky in 1908, when a fire devastated the original three-and-a-half-storey building. What remained was rebuilt and reinforced—and stands to this day.

Through the 20th century, the Mill adapted to the times. Following Algie’s death in 1915, it became home to the Dods Knitting Company, then the Western Rubber Company, producing everything from Disney balloons to WWII supplies (including the prophylactics commissioned by the Canadian Military).

Incredibly, it remained water-powered until 1982, making it the longest-running mill of its kind on the upper Credit River.

Old industrial furnace and rusted cart in a rustic, brick-walled room with exposed pipes and gravel floor.

A Vision for
Something More..

By the late 1980s, the Mill sat empty, its stone walls weathered by time. Many saw a teardown. Jack Grant and his sons, Jeremy and Jordan, saw potential.

They held on through a challenging real estate market—believing the Mill had a future. That future sparked to life in 1999 when local woodworker Carl Borgström inquired about studio space. His idea: convert part of the Mill into working studios for artists. It worked.

Soon after, a bigger vision took shape—led by the Grants and Jefferson Mappin, then-president of the Headwaters Arts Festival: to transform the entire Mill into a vibrant arts and heritage centre, a hub for artists, creators, visitors and the local community.

An old, rusted, spherical bomb with a fuse attaches to a wooden backplate on a brick wall.

Restoring a 19th-century industrial building is no small task—especially when you’re committed to preserving its soul.

Backed by passionate vision and crucial government funding, the Seaton Group (the Grant family’s company) undertook a $4.8 million restoration—guided by architect Catherine Nasmith and heritage builders J.D. Strachan & Associates. Their approach was clear: let the old shine through, and make the new distinct but respectful.

Restoration with Heart

Walls were repointed. Floors and beams replaced. Hidden damage was uncovered and fixed. An innovative floodproofing system was installed, and energy-efficient upgrades were seamlessly integrated. Even a Bailey bridge—a feat of engineering repurposed from Northern Ontario—was installed to ensure safe access during high water.

Vintage scientific instruments and a small metal box, including two glass tubes with metal ends, a metal ruler, and a black rubber bulb.

Construction site with scaffolding and wooden beams in progress.

Indoor space with exposed brick and stone walls, featuring an old cast iron stove, a rusted green metal cart, and a large rock on a gravel floor. There is a small window and metal pipes on the wall.

A Place Reimagined

By 2009, the once-abandoned mill had become something extraordinary: a beautifully restored arts centre, filled with artist studios, galleries, event spaces, shops, a café, and heritage exhibits. Today, it’s a space that celebrates creativity and community—where the past and the present coexist.

And we’re not done yet!

The Annex and the historic mill pond are future phases of the vision—ready to bring even more beauty and functionality to this special site. Every step forward is guided by the same care, creativity, and respect for heritage that has defined the Alton Mill’s remarkable journey.

Outdoor scene with metal stairs on the right leading up beside a stone wall, lush green trees and bushes, and a small waterfall in the background.

Wooden hallway with white walls, wooden floors, and exposed wood ceiling, lit by spherical ceiling lights, with an adjoining room visible through a glass door on the right.

Meet the Team

The Alton Mill Arts Centre remains an owner-operated, social enterprise. While the Grant brothers, Jeremy and Jordan, remain heavily involved in the Alton Mill, their newest partner, Martin Kouprie, now serves as General Manager, accompanied by his small but capable team.