Renfrew & District Historical & Museum Society President Margaret Dubeau
Renfrew residents backing the McDougall Mill Museum came out swinging as the town’s 2025 budget entered public discussion.
Council’s Tuesday night hearing on the budget was dominated by citizens displeased about a cost-cutting proposal that could lead to the closure of the museum for two years as a working group decides the future of the building and nearby waterfront property.
Among them was Renfrew & District Historical & Museum Society President Margaret Dubeau, who reminded council that the descendants of Renfrew’s historical O’Brien, McDougall, and Murray families would not be happy to see the town go back on the original agreement to sell the mill to the town back in 1963 so it could become a museum.
She added that the society’s volunteers have dedicated thousands of dollars and man-hours to preserving the facility and its artifacts for years, only agreeing to give town control over operations in 2024.
Meanwhile, spokesperson Debbie Hill says they are disheartened by discussions closing the museum and the rumours of it becoming a pub or restaurant, stressing that they offer a public good by researching and developing exhibitions and educational programs that tell the story of Renfrew at no extra cost to visitors.
Resident and archivist Sarah Boyer also called out the council for committing to the museum’s operations only to reverse course one year later.
She also wondered if the town had considered the costs of decommissioning a museum and its artifacts, the financial issue of returning items exchanged for tax receipts, and what the sudden change of heart would mean for the staff.
While she understands the town is dealing with financial difficulties, Boyer says reducing the tax impact on the community shouldn’t come at the expense of closing facilities like the museum.
Council and Town Staff are expected to provide a written statement responding to these concerns ahead of their next meeting.
(written by Kasey Egan)