Headline News

Inspiration Place to hold first public event

November 3, 2026

By Michael Riley, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

North Hastings Inspiration Place began with the long-standing need to replace an outdated and inaccessible library, but it quickly became apparent that there was an opportunity to address several connected rural challenges through one co-ordinated structure.

“Our little, old library that’s not accessible with 15,000 steps and stairs; we needed a new one to get up to code,” says Bancroft Municipal Strategic Communications and Civic Engagement Specialist Sarah Phoenix. “We also opened 40 new units of housing that were built by a private developer.”

Through community consultation and partnership-building, the town’s leaders recognized an opportunity to offer the community modern, flexible space for learning, technology, programming, meetings and connection. And so, an underused downtown site became an opportunity for housing and community renewal.

“We just did our  first community open house at the end of September so it’s a brand-new building with the four storeys of housing and the new library, which hasn’t been relocated yet.”

The first event at the location, called the Inspiration Place Harvest and Holiday Market will take place Nov. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Vendors will be on hand to offer handmade goods and many other unique finds.

“We have 24 vendors currently registered, a variety of small businesses, women-led and women-owned local, sustainable resources, crafts, crocheters, maple products and an exterior coffee truck that will be there,” Phoenix says, adding the structure is the biggest in town.

All the fun will take place at 6 Cleak Avenue in Bancroft.