Caledon, ON

Alton village is the cultural heart of Caledon. In 2020, a process was launched to study the potential of making half the village into a historical conservation district. The are already has a lot going for it, over a dozen buildings are designated heritage buildings under the Ontario Heritage Act.

The former industrial centre of the village was the Algie Woolen Mills built in 1881. The mill was in desperate need of repair in the 1990s and was close to being demolished, but it was converted into the Alton Mills Arts Centre by a private developer. The mill helped bring about the economy of the village, and still contributes significantly to the culture of the region.

As you enter the village from Queen Street West, you’ll pass by a short driveway that leads to the Millcroft Inn. It was restored extensively in the 1970s and is now a hotel and conference centre with beautiful environs.

Proceeding down the street, 1334 and 1341 Queen Street West are exactly opposite each other. Both are excellent examples of period masonry and housed mill workers. Right outside the mill, 1398 Queen Street West was built by William Algie, the mill owner, as the village centre.  The Dods-Long House is on 1422 Queen Street West, also affiliated with the mill.

Alton Mechanic’s Institute is on 1456 Queen Street West. It was built in 1882 and financed by William Algie to help further educate his workers. It is the last remaining active mechanic’s institute in Caledon.

Turn right onto Main Street to find plenty of street parking to see the former Alton Congregational Church converted into the Paul Morin Gallery. Both the former Baptist Church and the Fead-Fendley House are on the same block and designated as historical buildings.