WATSON’S MILL MANOTICK TAKES OWNERSHIP OF DICKINSON SQUARE
WATSON’S MILL MANOTICK INC.
Dickinson square is whole again -- watson's mill manotick inc. takes ownership of dickinson house and carriage shed
MANOTICK, ONTARIO: Watson's Mill Manotick Inc. (WMMI) has taken ownership of Dickinson House and the Carriage Shed from the City of Ottawa, bringing the three heritage buildings of Dickinson Square under the stewardship of one organization.
The transfer follows the City’s earlier announcement of its intention to divest the two properties. WMMI, the registered charity that already owns Watson’s Mill, will now care for the buildings as one unified heritage heritage campus, coordinating their preservation, interpretation and public use.
"This is a defining moment for Watson’s Mill Manotick Inc. and for our community,” said Shannon Giust, President of WMMI. “Bringing Dickinson Square together allows us to care for the site as a whole and create a shared vision for its future. We are proud, excited and deeply aware of the responsibility we are accepting.”
At the heart of Dickinson Square is Watson’s Mill, a working, water-powered grist mill built in 1860 to grind grain into flour. The milling enterprise helped establish Manotick and served the surrounding farming community. Dickinson House, built in 1867, originally housed the mill office, general store and village post office before becoming the Dickinson family home. Both buildings are designated under the Ontario Heritage Act.
The acquisition builds on decades of community stewardship. Following the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority’s announcement in 2006 that it would leave its Manotick properties, local advocacy helped secure the site’s preservation. WMMI took ownership of Watson’s Mill in 2008, while the City retained Dickinson House and the Carriage Shed. The Rideau Township Historical Society operated Dickinson House until WMMI assumed its operation in 2021.
WMMI recognizes Councillor David Brown’s leadership, the City of Ottawa’s collaboration and the community’s continued support in making this transfer possible and keeping the properties accessible to the public.
"Transferring Dickinson House and the Carriage Shed to Watson’s Mill Manotick Inc. is an important step in protecting Manotick’s heritage and keeping these treasured buildings accessible to the public for generations to come. I have worked hard to help make this transfer a reality, and I am pleased to be taking these next exciting steps alongside the WMMI team. Their continued stewardship will ensure these buildings remain a central gathering place in our community while helping to celebrate and preserve the rich history and heritage that make Manotick such a special place,” said Councillor David Brown.
The City of Ottawa has also committed $250,000 toward urgent preservation work at Dickinson House and the Carriage Shed, helping WMMI begin this new chapter from a stronger position and address immediate priorities across the site.
WMMI's priorities include essential building preservation, strengthening visitor experiences and developing programming that connects the stories of the Mill, House and surrounding village. Support from donors, volunteers and community partners will help sustain this work for future generations.
About Watson's Mill Manotick Inc.:
Watson's Mill Manotick Inc. is a registered charity responsible for Watson’s Mill, Dickinson House and the Carriage Shed in Manotick, Ontario. Through preservation, milling demonstrations, exhibitions and community programming, WMMI connects visitors with the history of Dickinson Square.
Media Contact: Shannon Giust
Email: president@watsonsmill.com
Telephone: 613-794-2290
