Melissa London Kanmacher, Paisley's representative on Arran-Elderslie council and local business woman, gave the following remarks as current and former residents gathered to say good-bye before the next chapter begins for their town.

"Bear with me, this lovely ole gal has been standing in this spot for over 150 years, I want to give her due time, she has a story to tell…
In 1851 the original structure on the site was known as Rowes Tavern. It was a log tavern built by one of the founders of Paisley, Samuel Rowe. During this period the tavern housed the village’s first merchant, Thomas Orchard, until the construction of a separate store in 1854.

Fun fact: Floorboards from the tavern were used to build a casket for David Ross, the first man to die of natural causes within the settlement.
In 1863, the original log building was replaced by a 2-storey red brick structure known as The Grand Central.

When Paisley was incorporated in 1874, the first Council meeting was held at the Inn.

At one time, there were five hotels in Paisley, but after 1911 only one remained - The Grand Central. Records show that Issac Stanley bought The Grand Central in 1894 for $7000. Mr. Stanley built the adjoining building (we now know as The Royal Bank).
The Grand Central is known today as The Paisley Inn.

In 1956, after over 25 years as a “dry hotel, Paisley Inn became the only hotel north of Toronto to have a liquor license. As a result the hotel flourished throughout the 1960s and 1970s.  For 66 years Owen Sound was a dry town. – the longest prohibition location in Canada. Eliminating prohibition was on the ballot for many municipal elections in Owen Sound over the years. It survived until 1972. After that, the increasing competition drove the Paisley Inn to close its doors.

The hotel was purchased in 1984 by Fred Walsh and underwent extensive renovations. The hotel reopened in May of 1985 and remained open until 1994 when it was once again sold off.  Since that time, it has changed ownership several times.

It was known far and wide as one of the most happening spots in Bruce County. Stories about Thursday night, fight night or the infamous Mickey McArthur who was both a regular and known for his small head that allowed him to escape from the Walkerton jail…
I had someone tell me today that she was pretty sure she was the result of a wonderful evening spent at the Paisley Inn.

The Paisley Inn represents a beautiful piece of history in the hustle and bustle of this little village. It holds a special place in the hearts of many residents and visitors from far and wide.
It has been sad to watch this dear old dame fall into despair over the years.

I am thrilled to stand here today. I am confident that this spot in the heart our village will be returned to a place of community pride and a new gathering space to bring us together. It will be wrestled back from the critters that happily took up residence to provide much needed accommodations for new residents to call home.

Pieces of the Inn’s façade will become part of the new building – holding a familiar face in an important place at the confluence of our 2 rivers.
Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together. Every story has an end, but in life every end is just a new beginning.

The end of an era is being written into the history books. Today marks the end of one story and the beginning of another. Thank you all for being here to celebrate the start of a new story. I look forward to watching it unfold - bringing a renewed sense of propriety and vibrancy to our downtown. Following the ceremony, the Legion is offering an opportunity to share your stories and raise a glass for last call for the Paisley Inn. Covid protocols will be in place and masks must be worn. All are welcome.

Photo by Emma Cubitt, Invizij Architects. Emma is the architect for the new building. "Emma is known for her commitment and careful attention to preserving the best of the past features of an old building to ensure it fits in well in its environment."- M.Kanmacher