September 29, 2025

Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) staff will be recommending that a Working Group be established to determine if there is a financially sustainable way for the collections of R. Tait McKenzie and James Naismith to remain at the Mill of Kintail Conservation Area.  A Draft Transition Plan for the Mill of Kintail Museum provides time for development and analysis of options.

The Board of Directors and staff of MVCA recognize the significant impact that R. Tait McKenzie and James Naismith had on the national and international stage, and that they are well loved sons and a source of pride for the community of Mississippi Mills and Canada at large.  We have managed these collections for many years with that same pride.  The proposed transition plan reflects a continued commitment by MVCA to honor the men, their contributions, their legacy and to preserve Canada’s heritage.

To address any misunderstandings, we have updated the museum web page to ease access to key documents and provided Frequently Asked Questions and a Museum Timeline that lists key events since 2019.  As well, we have uploaded the results of Mississippi Mills’ consultations with local museums in 2023 that provides insight to the issues facing the Mill of Kintail Museum; and other key documents including the July 2025 Board report that documents the financial challenge facing the museum.

MVCA’s Board Chair and General Manager will be attending a meeting of Mississippi Mills Council on October 7, 2025.  Council’s agenda is typically issued a week in advance and can be found at:  https://calendar.mississippimills.ca/council

MVCA thanks all those who responded to the recent survey regarding the proposed museum transition.  Public feedback and recommended next steps will be tabled with MVCA’s Board of Directors at its meeting October 20, 2025.  Please contact khollington@mvc.on.ca to attend in person or remotely.