Historic Ontario Paper Mill Tower to Transform into Hotel and Cultural Hub
Ontario paper mill tower to become hotel, cultural hub

Image: Ctv News
A historic industrial tower in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, will be redeveloped into a hotel and cultural center through a partnership between Garden River First Nation, Batchewana First Nation, and BMI Group. The project aims to revitalize the site, reflecting cultural significance and fostering economic development.
- 01The 1895 St. Mary’s Paper Mill Tower will be adaptively reused as a hotel and cultural destination.
- 02The project is a collaboration between Garden River First Nation, Batchewana First Nation, and BMI Group.
- 03The site, known as Baawating, has historical and spiritual significance for the Three Fires Confederacy.
- 04The initiative aims to create economic opportunities and promote cultural revitalization.
- 05BMI Group has a history of heritage adaptive reuse projects, including the redevelopment of the Queens Inn in Stratford.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The historic St. Mary’s Paper Mill Tower in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, is set to undergo a significant transformation into a hotel, conference center, and cultural hub. This redevelopment is a joint effort between the Garden River First Nation, Batchewana First Nation, and BMI Group, formalized through a trilateral memorandum of understanding. The tower, built in 1895, exemplifies Richardsonian Romanesque architecture and is located in Baawating, a site of cultural importance for the Ojibway, Potawatomi, and Odawa peoples. Leaders from both First Nations emphasized that this project represents more than just restoring a landmark; it is about creating a space that honors their shared commitment to economic development and cultural revitalization. Garden River First Nation Chief Karen Bell highlighted the spiritual connection her people have with the land and the responsibility to care for it. BMI Group CEO Paul Veldman expressed pride in partnering with the First Nations to bring the Mill Tower back to public life, while the company aims to foster economic reconciliation through this initiative.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The redevelopment of the Mill Tower is expected to create job opportunities and promote economic participation for the local Indigenous communities.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
What do you think about the redevelopment of the Mill Tower into a cultural hub?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.



