BACKHOUSE GRIST MILL COMPETING IN NATIONAL COMPETITION: THE NEXT GREAT SAVE

Media Release
March 31, 2026 

PORT ROWAN, ON — The Backhouse Grist Mill has been selected to compete in The Next Great Save, a national competition ran by the National Trust for Canada, after applying to participate at the beginning of the year. The competition focuses on the meaningful preservation of historic sites and heritage places with $65,000 in cash prizes available to protect, adapt, renew, or improve heritage places. 

The Backhouse Grist Mill will be competing alongside 11 other historic sites across Canada for the grand prize of $50,000. It was revealed through an architectural and structural assessment that the Mill is experiencing structural safety issues and unfortunately will not be able to open for the 2026 season. Winning the Next Great Save would directly fund the first major steps needed to save the Mill: a comprehensive engineering report, temporary structural shoring, and drainage improvements. These actions must happen before any further restoration can begin. A vote for Backhouse is a vote for real, immediate, shovel‑ready impact. 

The competition begins on April 7^th, 2026, and ends on April 24^th, 2026. You can vote for the Mill once a day, every day during this time period. Help us lead the Mill to victory! 

Associated Links
https://nextgreatsave.us.launchpad6.com/NextGreatSave2026/grist-mill
12 Finalists Named in National Trust for Canada’s Next Great Save Competition to Restore Historic Places Across Canada

Contacts
Jessica King
Social Media & Marketing Associate
519-842-4242 ext.227
jking@lprca.on.ca