Mayor seeks options to secure future of Banting foundation

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Posted January 22, 2026

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A notice of motion put forward by Mayor Richard Norcross would direct Town staff to find a way for New Tecumseth to take a hands-on role in the operation of the Sir Frederick Banting Legacy Foundation Homestead which has experienced challenges in recruiting and retaining an effective board of directors.

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Norcross's motion seeks to ensure the Banting Homestead & Heritage Park is preserved for future generations and that staff "assess ways to increase operational responsibility for the Homestead and report options to Council as soon as possible."

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New Tecumseth owns the homestead property, and recently struck a deal with the Simcoe County District School Board to swap 25 acres to accommodate a rebuilt Banting Memorial High School. 

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Sir Frederick Banting Legacy Foundation was created in 2005 by eight Founding Directors. The Foundation is run by Volunteers and one part time staff. The SFBLF was given the mandate in 2010 "to rescue, restore and enhance the historic buildings of the Banting Homestead Heritage Park (BHHP), birthplace of Sir Frederick Banting, in Alliston, Ontario, Canada. The essential restoration and enhancement of the BHHP buildings and infrastructure creates a welcoming public venue and was completed in 2013."

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Mayor Norcross told Free Press Online he fears for the homestead's future, and believe's the Town taking an active role is something, "I would like that option absolutely considered."

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"We want it to be extremely successful, including visitors and make sure it is utilized as the great community asset it is," said Norcross. "It's an important legacy to our community and the world. We have to do what it takes for the homestead to be sustainable for generations and generations to come."