Bancroft this Week

Santa Claus parade going strong after 70 years

In small town Ontario, including this region, Santa Claus parades are often organized by the local Lions club. This is the case in Apsley, in Barry’s Bay, and in Bancroft. The Bancroft club was formed at the end of the Second World War. It staged a Santa Claus parade the same year. Although there had been parades before, since 1945 it’s been a Lions project.

Hydro costs hit schools

Hastings-Prince Edward MPP Todd Smith says local schools should be paying close attention to their hydro bills based on provincial school stats.

Lifehouse a beacon of hope

“Everyone needs a good place to go where the staff are helpful and really nice.” The Lifehouse Support Centre at 23 Bridge St. West in Bancroft has been supplying free laundry, an affordable lunch, hot beverages, a needle exchange program, and peer support services to marginalized people in need for seven years.

Artists gather for holiday carnival

It was a packed house at the annual Holiday Art Carnival at A Place for the Arts on Dec. 17. With arts and crafts for the kids, a holiday themed photo booth, live music, classic yuletide stories, mulled cider, homemade hot chocolate, and a community potluck there was something for everyone.

Town to pay $100,000 for station

As previously reported in Bancroft This Week, the town is acquiring the historic train station, and will be relocating town offices there sometime in the new year. The deal involves the back taxes owed the town by the chamber of commerce.

Thrift store the perfect place for gifts

I was in the Thrift Warehouse just outside of Bancroft last week to talk about their new smash room opening in January. It’s a really cool idea. For a stipend you will get a couple of thrift pieces, most likely glasses, and get to smash them in a safe environment. Talk about therapy.

Bancroft doubles sewer rates

In an effort to stop the growth of its sewer deficit, which is threatening Bancroft’s financial capacity, the town council has decided to double sewer rates in 2017. In addition, water rates will increase by nearly six per cent. So if you are currently paying $50 a month for each, next year you will pay $100 for sewer and $53 for water.

Bancroft to acquire train station

At a special meeting last week, Bancroft’s town council voted to “acquire” the restored railway station downtown. Plans are to convert the building into the town offices.

HART offers second chance to furry friends

The Highland Animal Relief Team moved its annual Kritter Kringle dog show and silent auction to the Legion in Bancroft, where dogs and their owners took to the stage on Dec. 3.

Expert recommends doubling sewer charges

Dan Wilson of Watson and Associates, who were tasked with looking at how to deal with the water and wastewater crisis, prescribed some tough medicine for Bancroft taxpayers, especially those connected to the town water and sewer lines. To eliminate the current and accumulated deficits, as well as put some money toward equipment repair and replacement costs, he recommended that sewer charges double immediately, while water rates increase by about six per cent.

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