Paige Seburn
Niagara Now/The Lake Report
The air at the Oban Inn on Sept. 15 was filled with the harmonious strains of classical music, echoing the Inn’s rich history as it celebrated two centuries of its existence.
Si Wai Lai, the owner of the Oban Inn for more than two decades, welcomed everyone to join the celebration, which featured live orchestral music by Bob DeAngelis and his orchestra and a heartfelt gathering of guests and staff, all united by their appreciation for the inn’s storied past.
“Look at all the locals here because they love the beautiful Oban Inn. We’re gonna keep moving forward, for another 200 years,” said Lai.
The charming inn, established in 1824, has long been a cornerstone of the community, blending historical elegance with modern comforts.
Allison Wiens, front desk manager at the Oban Inn, was beaming with pride as she looked around.
Having worked for the Oban Inn since January 2000, Wiens said her connection to the inn is deeply personal and it’s been incredible to witness it evolve.
She said she has been here through all the changes — from when there was no spa and the dining area was more pub-style, to the transformation into the luxurious space it is today.
Originally, the inn was a private home built by Capt. Duncan Milloy of Oban, Scotland, a sailor and owner of the Niagara Harbour and Dock Company. It was first known as the Oban House.
When Duncan died in 1871, his wife and four children continued to live in the house, until his son, Capt. William “Bill” Milloy opened the residence as the Oban Inn in 1895.
Wiens said that its modern updates have preserved its classic elegance, with some guest rooms still preserving their original Victorian style.
She said it’s a delicate balance — embracing change while honouring heritage — adding that she’s pleased to see guests adapt to and appreciate these changes.
“It’s neat because I’ve been able to be here through a lot of the changes. Like, before and after. I think the unique thing here is we have a lot of repeat guests. When they see a familiar face, it makes them feel more at home. It’s that personal touch,” said Wiens.
The property changed hands several times until the 1960s, when Edna Burroughs purchased the Oban and continued to operate it with her son, Gary.
At one point, the inn could’ve been lost forever, after a fire on Christmas Day, 1991 destroyed the property, leaving only the foundation.
However, an exact replica of the former structure was rebuilt and it reopened in November 1993.
In the 1990s, Si Wai Lai and her twin brother, hotelier Jimmy Lai, came to NOTL and began purchasing hotel properties in town and renovating them, which included the Prince of Wales Hotel and the Oban — for many, the Lais breathed new life into these historic places.
The Sunday celebration was not only a milestone for the Oban Inn, but also a tribute to the enduring hospitality and community spirit that have defined its 200-year history.
Local residents Mary-Ann Mckinley and Nancy Diakiw, who have long appreciated the Oban Inn’s amenities, learned about the anniversary celebration through the news and saw it as the perfect opportunity to join in the festivities.
“It’s a beautiful day for it. Amazing variety of hors d’oeuvres, gracious staff, and the orchestra is wonderful. They have done a really good job,” said Mckinley.
Speaking with Si Wai Lai, they both thanked her for her generosity in opening the Oban to the public for the celebration and preserving the landmark property.
“She just opened it up to anybody and everybody, and that’s really nice,” said Mckinley.
