Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority (MVCA) has announced that a proposal from the Municipality of Mississippi Mills to assume operation of the museum at the Mill of Kintail Conservation Area has been accepted. Transfer of the R. Tait McKenzie and James Naismith collections, along with museum operations, is planned for 2028.
In 2024, changes to the funding model for conservation authorities made it impossible for MVCA to commit to the museum’s long-term operation. In response, the board approved a transition plan in 2025 to identify another organization to assume museum operations and ownership of the collections.
“This was a challenging situation, and we are very pleased that the Municipality is partnering with MVCA to keep the collections in the community,” said General Manager Sally McIntyre.
Mayor Christa Lowry and Mississippi Mills council welcomed news that the municipality’s proposal had been accepted.
“The feedback we heard from our community was crystal clear: Residents wanted these nationally significant collections to remain at the Mill of Kintail Museum,” said Lowry. “The community’s passion and support reinforced the need to put forward a strong proposal. We are proud to secure the future of the Dr. James Naismith and Dr. Robert Tait McKenzie collections at the Mill of Kintail, where two young boys from Ramsay once played, dreamed and began journeys that would ultimately inspire the world.”
“These men are national treasures and were international leaders in their fields. It was critical that their story continued to be told at the Mill of Kintail,” added Mississippi Mills Coun. Bev Holmes, an MVCA board member and chair of the museum’s advisory committee.
The museum was the vision of Major James and Irene Leys, who purchased the mill in 1952 and converted the former McKenzie summer home into a museum that they operated for more than 15 years. In 1971, the Leys family and the board began discussions to transfer ownership of the property and museum collection to MVCA. The transfer was completed in 1972, and the museum officially reopened in 1973.
MVCA managed and expanded the McKenzie collection for more than 50 years before acquiring the Naismith collection in 2017. In addition to hosting numerous events and exhibitions, the authority maintained the historic features and physical integrity of both the mill building and the collections. After acquiring the adjacent Monette property in 1986, MVCA established a climate-controlled archive in the Gate House. Both facilities will remain in use under the proposed partnership.
“The museum has been a source of pride for decades, and we are pleased that this partnership with the Municipality will allow it to remain a feature attraction at the Mill of Kintail Conservation Area for years to come,” said Scott Lawryk, manager of programs and properties.
In early 2027, the Municipality plans to engage community partners and volunteers to help shape the future of the Brothers of the Wind collections at the Mill of Kintail, ensuring their long-term preservation while continuing to serve as an inspiring cultural destination.
SOURCE: Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority.
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