Ceremony to celebrate new waterwheel at the Keremeos Grist Mill

KEREMEOS – The Grist Mill in Keremeos has a new waterwheel.

The 1877 mill’s waterwheel was rebuilt this spring in authentic fashion after being out of commission for nearly a year. A ceremony is planned at the site, located on Upper Bench Road in Keremeos, to open the flume and fire up the new waterwheel.

“It’s a once in a generation moment we’d like to share with the community," mill operator Chris Mathieson says.

Waterwheels at the mill have historically lasted 15 years before needing replacement. The previous wheel suffered a structural failure in 2016.

Mathieson says funding was secured from the Heritage Branch of the province to build a historically accurate replacement.

Former mill general manager Cuyler Page also lent his considerable historical and craftsman expertise to the project.

Sunday’s, July 30, event takes place at 3 p.m. and includes a champagne toast, ceremonial opening of the flume, displays and other attractions.

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