St. George Power restores historic St. George mill

A historic building and tourist attraction in Eastern Charlotte, N.B., is undergoing restoration efforts by St. George Power. 

The St. George Mill, as it’s known to locals, dates back to 1904 and is an iconic red structure that sits at the foot of the falls at the St. George Gorge. The mill ceased operation in 2003, and over the succeeding years, age and extreme weather had started to take their toll.

To preserve the iconic structure, St. George Power has invested in refurbishment efforts, clearing out debris from inside the building and painting the façade to restore its brilliant red colour. Window covers have also been painted to look like the original windows. 

This year, structural work will be done to tackle the old mill’s concrete piers.

The building has held an important role throughout St. George’s history. Last used as a hydroelectric generation facility, it served many functions throughout its lifespan such as granite manufacturing, an industry for which St. George has historically been known. The site also produced groundwood pulp in the mid-20th century before being converted to a power generation facility. The building was decommissioned in 2003 and a new power generation plant was built that is still in operation today.

With its picturesque setting, the building has also become a popular tourist draw, attracting visitors from around the world. In fact, it’s a common sight to see people lined up along the bridge overlooking the gorge, taking photos during the summer months.

“We are pleased to be able to preserve the old St. George mill,” said Chris Clark, Vice President of Pulp & Paper. “We know how important this landmark is to the community, and with these refurbishments, we expect it to continue to charm locals and visitors alike for many more years to come.”