Making a difference with ice cream?

August 5, 2016

Now that I have your attention, let me tell you how.

I’m sitting in the cozy patio at the HoP, that’s the short form for Bancroft Community Transit’s (BCT) new sustainable building Heart of the Park which is located in Bancroft’s Riverside Park and right beside the Heritage Museum. There’s a lovely breeze blowing, kids are playing in the park, boats are paddling along the York River and the sun is shining down on this perfect summer day. And I’m making a difference in our community….by sitting on one of their cute little yellow benches taking it all in and eating an ice cream cone! Yes, you heard me right.

Season number two is in full swing at BCT’s Heart of the Park! The canteen is open serving some tasty treats; hamburgers, HoP dogs, and yummy daily specials such as pork souvlaki or chicken caesar wraps with their signature HoP potato chips, and of course we can’t forget the ice cream! They are also busy renting out paddle boats, kayaks, canoes, SUPs, bikes (both BMX and touring), skateboards and scooters! But that’s not all that is being done here at what is swiftly becoming known as one of the hubs in our quaint little town, no indeed.

Did you know that the HoP is a training facility for our area’s youth? Training and mentorship that is both given to, and led by our youth. And did you know that funds raised at the HoP go towards transportation for our youth for employment or programs that foster social inclusion? Did you know the facility can also accommodate private rentals for birthday parties or quaint dinners or perhaps a bridal shower….well, now you do. Creating a unique and affordable community space, that can benefit all, while helping to support our youth, that’s what it’s about at the HoP!

BCT is working hard to make sure they can continue to provide transportation for youth in North Hastings. How great is it that this beautiful new building at Riverside Park can provide so much for so little, and you know something? You can help make a difference too, by eating ice cream just like me!

There’s lots of room, so come on down and have a seat on their patio, rent a kayak or canoe for a few hours, then chow down on one of their tasty burgers, or order one of their yummy daily specials by calling them at 613-332-5999! It’s probably one of the easiest ways that I know of to support a great initiative in our community.

BCT, bringing communities together, one ride at a time or, one cone at a time….

Submitted by Gwen Coish, BCT Director of Operations