MTE's Involvement
One of the primary hurdles was obtaining subwatershed approvals for development within the Grand River’s flood fringe, designated as a Special Policy Area. MTE’s civil engineering team successfully secured the necessary approvals from the Grand River Conservation Authority and the Township of Centre Wellington by applying advanced hydraulic modelling using HEC-RAS, ultimately establishing the site as a Two-Zone Policy Area.
Our surveyors conducted a topographic survey, which included in-stream work to inform the design and construction of critical site elements such as a new erosion control wall, a pedestrian bridge, and a hydroelectric power plant. We also provided grading, servicing, and stormwater management design, including the realignment of the existing storm sewer system through the site.
MTE’s structural engineers worked in tandem with the architectural team to meet three core objectives:
- Preserve the heritage character and landscape of Elora Mill
- Upgrade existing structures to meet modern standards
- Integrate new facilities to enhance the overall development
The north side of the Grand River now features five signature buildings: the Granary, Coach House, James Ross House, Stable Spa, and the Mill.
- Granary: The original stone façade was preserved, while a new steel and concrete structure was constructed within. The Granary now includes a modern banquet and wedding venue.
- Coach House: Renovated to include a two-storey addition with nine guest rooms.
- James Ross House: Restored and repurposed into a private 100 m² (1,100 ft²) guest suite.
- Stable Spa: Located on a dramatic outcropping over the river, the Stable was transformed into a three-storey luxury spa. A portion of the spa, including a pool deck and hot tub, extends 10 feet beyond the cliff’s edge, supported by 24-inch-deep cantilevered steel beams.
- Mill: The original stone and timber structure was fully restored, with a modern steel and concrete addition housing guest rooms and storage. A striking three-storey glass box now cantilevers over the gorge, creating a bold architectural statement.
To support the development’s energy needs sustainably, MTE designed a 1-megawatt hydroelectric plant on the south side of the river. This included the design of a cofferdam to facilitate construction below the water level.
The south side of the Grand River presented a unique opportunity to preserve the remnants of the historic Potter Foundry, originally built in 1873. The deteriorated limestone structure, long a local landmark, was unsafe and open to the elements.
To ensure its preservation and public use, the structure was carefully dismantled and relocated approximately 70 metres west of its original site. Original materials were reused wherever possible, and the roof was reconstructed to match the original design. MTE handled the grading design and foundation layout for the new site and coordinated a detailed lidar scan of the original structure to guide accurate reconstruction.
Now fully restored, the Potter Foundry has been reintroduced as a community feature along Elora’s trail system. In recognition of this achievement, the Heritage Centre Wellington awarded the project team the Heritage Professionals Award.