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The Barber Mill,
Georgetown

Heritage Impact Assessment

The Barber Paper Mill produced paper products for distribution across Canada from 1854 until 1948. It has both local and national significance, given that it was the first North American industrial site to use hydroelectric power which was transmitted over a distance.

SHA was engaged by the Town of Halton Hills to provide a Heritage Impact Assessment report to outline existing conditions of the site and recommend techniques to secure and maintain the property until new or adaptive uses are deployed. An opinion of probable cost was provided.

We compiled a comprehensive Heritage Impact Assessment Report comprising the following main sections:

• Description of the property including photo recording, plan drawings and photo elevations of all buildings

• Condition of each of the ten unique buildings

• Summary of Statutory Requirements

• Statement of Cultural Heritage Value

• Conservation Strategy

• Analysis of Impacts

• Alternative Options for Conservation

• Approval and Permit Requirements

• Conclusions and Recommendations

Georgetown Paper Mills illustration
1877 (Historical Atlas)

Barber Mill, West Elevation
2016 (Photo Montage: SHA)