McLean Mill National Historic Site


McLean Mill National Historic Site is a steam-operated sawmill on Vancouver Island, officially open to tourists since July 1, 2000. It was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1989.

History

The mill originally ran as a family operated saw-milling business from 1926 to 1965. The original plot of land was purchased by Robert Bartlett McLean, and he moved there with his wife Cora, and his three sons Arnold, Philip, and Walter.
The business was eventually taken over by Arnold, who then passed on the business to his son Howard McLean, who ran it until its closing in 1965. One of the main reasons for its closing was competition from the larger lumber companies in the area.