NEWS RELEASE COUNTY OF WELLINGTON
Yesterday, the County of Wellington and the Wellington County Library Board celebrated the official grand opening of the new Erin Village Branch.
“Erin Village is the final branch to be completed in the re-development of Wellington County’s library system,” said Warden Chris White. “The new branch is everything our library system strives to be – accessible, innovative, and deeply connected to our community.”
The Erin Village Library was designed by award winning architectural firm +VG Architects and built by Demikon Construction Ltd. It opened on February 19, 2026.
Features and Highlights:
- Stunning setting perched at the edge of the Credit River valley with easy access from downtown Erin.
- Original stonework from the 1849 McMillan Grist Mill, carefully restored and integrated with industrial-inspired design.
- Historic mill stones placed by the main entrance, alongside artifacts and archival photographs on display inside.
- Larger, accessible, versatile spaces for children and adults, with designated floors for each.
- Computer workstations and three private study rooms.
- Fireplaces and cozy nooks for reading and relaxation.
- Rentable community space with a kitchenette on the lower level with views to the Credit River and access to a large patio.
- Reading room and balcony on the top floor of Erin’s tallest building with spectacular views of the village and vistas beyond.
- Built sustainably using the County’s Green Legacy Building Standards.
“The new Erin Village Library will become a community hub for residents to learn, connect, and gather,” commented Doug Breen, Information, Heritage and Seniors Committee Chair. “The County’s investment in re-developing its library system is highly regarded by many library boards and communities throughout Ontario.
“Library staff are thrilled with the new Erin Village Library,” said Rebecca Hine, Chief Librarian. “The new, larger, modernized library will allow staff the space and resources to deliver programming and services on par with the other modern libraries throughout the County.”
History
The Erin Grist Mill is a striking nineteenth century landmark built by Daniel McMillan, one of Erin’s founders.
At just eighteen, McMillan purchased and repaired the first sawmill and dam in the area and, with his brothers Charles and Hugh, went on to build additional mill races, two dams, and six mills.
In 1849, McMillan began work on this grist mill, but sadly passed away from an infection shortly before it was finished. His friend, Canadian poet Alexander McLachlan, wrote a poem titled The Backwoods Hero expressing the great loss to the Erin community.
Over the years, the mill served many purposes, from a feed mill to even housing turkeys for a short time. In 2022, the County purchased the building, giving it a new chapter in Erin’s story.
Yesterday’s official grand opening event was rescheduled from February 18 due to inclement weather.
