A major redevelopment initiative is taking shape in Ontario as Garden River First Nation, Batchewana First Nation, and BMI Group have signed a trilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a joint venture focused on the future of the historic St. Mary’s Paper Mill Tower in Sault Ste. Marie.

The partnership aims to transform the landmark structure into a hospitality, conference, and cultural destination while preserving its historical significance.

Transforming a Historic Paper Industry Landmark

The project centers on the 1895 St. Mary’s Paper Mill Tower, located within the Canal District of Sault Ste. Marie.

According to BMI Group, the tower represents the last surviving example of Industrial Romanesque architecture in Canada, making it one of the country’s most unique industrial heritage structures.

The redevelopment plan will focus on:

• Hospitality facilities
• Conference and event spaces
• Cultural programming
• Community gathering areas
• Heritage preservation

The goal is to bring the historic building back into active public use while supporting economic development.

A Site With Deep Industrial and Cultural History

The location carries significance beyond its industrial roots.

Situated at Baawating, the rapids of the St. Mary’s River, the site has long served as a gathering place for the Three Fires Confederacy, consisting of:

• Ojibway peoples
• Potawatomi peoples
• Odawa peoples

The area later became home to the historic Sault Ste. Marie pulp and paper operations, making it an important part of Canada’s forestry and paper manufacturing history.

Adaptive Reuse Continues to Gain Momentum

The project reflects a growing trend within the pulp and paper industry: adaptive reuse of former mill assets.

Across North America, former paper mill properties are increasingly being transformed into:

• Mixed-use developments
• Cultural centers
• Renewable energy facilities
• Industrial parks
• Tourism destinations

Rather than demolishing historic structures, communities are seeking ways to preserve industrial heritage while creating new economic opportunities.

Economic Development Through Partnership

BMI Group specializes in acquiring and revitalizing former pulp and paper mill sites.

The company purchased the Mill Tower and adjacent board mill property in 2012 and has been involved in broader revitalization efforts throughout the Canal District.

The new joint venture model emphasizes:

• Indigenous participation
• Shared ownership
• Shared development
• Long-term economic opportunities

This approach aligns with increasing collaboration between Indigenous communities and industrial redevelopment projects across Canada.

Why This Project Matters

The redevelopment of the St. Mary’s Paper Mill Tower highlights several important industry trends:

Industrial Heritage Preservation

Historic paper mill infrastructure continues to play a role in community identity and tourism development.

Indigenous Economic Participation

First Nations are increasingly becoming development partners rather than simply stakeholders.

Sustainable Redevelopment

Adaptive reuse often delivers environmental benefits by preserving existing structures rather than constructing entirely new facilities.

Regional Economic Diversification

Former pulp and paper assets can generate value beyond traditional manufacturing through tourism, culture, hospitality, and events.

Industry Insight

The North American pulp and paper industry is experiencing a broader transition. While some historic mills continue operating, many older facilities are finding new life through redevelopment and adaptive reuse projects.

The proposed St. Mary’s Paper Mill Tower redevelopment demonstrates how former industrial assets can support economic growth, cultural preservation, and community development simultaneously.

Final Thought

The partnership between Garden River First Nation, Batchewana First Nation, and BMI Group represents more than a redevelopment project. It reflects a new model for transforming historic paper industry infrastructure into modern economic and cultural assets while honoring both industrial heritage and Indigenous history.

As planning progresses, the project could become one of Canada’s most notable examples of successful paper mill heritage revitalization.

Last Updated on 03/06/2026 by Jota Machinery