Chemainus’s iconic waterwheel is being removed this week as part of a month-long maintenance and replacement project at Waterwheel Park.
The current wheel, a replica built in 1967 as part of Canada’s Centennial celebrations, has reached the end of its lifespan. It will be replaced with a new replica once repairs to the surrounding pond are completed.
According to the Chemainus Festival of Murals Society, the waterwheel became the emblem of the local chamber of commerce in 1966 and was brought to life through a community effort the following year. The original 1967 structure was made of red cedar and dedicated by H.R. MacMillan with contributions from MacMillan Bloedel, Beggs Brothers Ltd., and designer Karl Schutz.
Work will include draining and cleaning the pond, installing the new waterwheel and allowing water to sit for several weeks before final installation. The project is expected to take about a month.
