I just read with great interest the article in the June Advocate entitled ”The Art in Community” by Nancy Payne and would like to make a suggestion regarding the furthering of the arts in our community. I have long advocated utilizing the Old Mill in Lindsay as something beyond a couple of stone walls that are historical but nevertheless an eyesore. 

My “vision” is to see it amalgamated into a three-storey structure, keeping the history alive, but turning it into something that could serve the community. I would like to see a restaurant on the lower level with a landscaped patio overlooking the river, the second level turned into a display area for the Lindsay Art Gallery, and the third level a working studio for artists. 

The restaurant would attract boaters to tie up, stop and enjoy local cuisine, enjoy a visit to the art gallery and all it has to offer, and then see artists at work and hopefully be able to purchase their creations. As it is now there is little to encourage boaters to actually stop on their way through the town. As an added bonus there is ample parking available to the south of the building itself. Perhaps the building could be marketed towards bus tours as well. “Come to the Academy Theatre for an evening performance, but come early so you can enjoy a meal at the Old Mill Restaurant, a visit to the Art Gallery and perhaps do a little shopping as well.” Maybe I’m wrong but it sounds like a winning formula for tourism.

--Mary Anne Richardson, Lindsay