The origins of the Mill grew from a group of men staying at the St. Lawrence Men's Shelter managed by Dixon Hall. In 1996 these men approached Dixon to support them in their quest to establish a woodworking shop, from which they could learn to build and sell wood products. With funds raised through a fundraising event, and eventually from HRDC and Home Depot, Dixon was able to secure a space from which to house the project, which by then had been named "Inch by Inch". In spite of the difficulties these men faced in their personal lives, including homelessness and poverty, they where determined to have a safe learning environment where they could create wood products and earn an income.

Today The Mill Centre houses a 2000 sq. ft fully equipped woodworking and small metal shop. In addition to producing a range of quality household and institutional wood products, The Mill Centre provides technical, social and safety training to the participant to advance their technical and life skills. As well the Centre strives to link with a number of community agencies to support participants in their goal to lead healthier lives.