To address public safety concerns, Loyalist Township council approved an application July 10 for upgrades to the wheelhouse next to the Booth-Babcock Mill in Odessa.

In June, staff found evidence of vandalism and of breaking and entering to the wheelhouse connected to the Booth-Babcock Mill, located at at 100 Bridge St. The metal siding on the northside of the structure had been pulled away enough to allow access to the inside. A second entry was also discovered in an open tunnel, through the large culvert. The steel rods used to prevent obstacles from entering the wheelhouse through the culvert and damaging the gears had been pulled off to gain entry.

A Heritage Permit Application was brought before the Heritage Committee on June 29 in order for a recommendation to be taken to council to receive approval to allow township staff to secure the structure and close off the two points of entry for public safety.

Coun. Paul Proderick mentioned that beyond noticing the vandalism, there were many signs of the mill being a good family and tourist location within the township.

"I was more thrilled to see that outside the mill there were families splashing in the water at the park up the road, and it's obviously a destination point that is safe and accessible to people, because I think I counted three families of more than two kids each, and they had the bike helmets, the whole thing, and obviously making a day of it. So hopefully, that's something that'll draw more people in; especially on bikes, etcetera," said Proderick.

According to staff, efforts will be made to secure the siding. As the concrete screws being used are a bright blue colour, a condition has been included in the permit to paint or cover the visible portions of the screws to match the colouring of the existing steel sheeting.

The entry to the culvert will be secured using methods that do not require a permit.

Hear the story below: