Press Release: Canadian Peace Museum gifted building

Bancroft, ON – Sept. 14, 2025 – The Canadian Peace Museum is delighted to announce that it has been gifted a building and surrounding land. 

The North Hastings Community Trust has generously donated a building at 19 Valleyview Drive Bancroft. The two-storey building has over 8,000 square feet of space and is situated on 1.4 acres of land on the outskirts of Bancroft, Ontario. 

The Canadian Peace Museum, a registered charity, will use the premises to establish and operate a museum dedicated to promoting peace. The museum’s scope is broad. It includes Negative Peace, the absence of war, violence and fear. And it includes Positive Peace, the presence of democracy, health, food security, cohesive communities, good relations with neighbours, and taking care of the planet. 

A 2024 poll by the museum found that 69% of Canadians think that it is important for Canadians to learn about how we have advanced peace throughout our history and 75% think that it is important for Canadians to learn about Canada’s mistakes that have hindered peace throughout our history. 

Quotes: 

• We are grateful to the North Hastings Community Trust for their generosity. This gift is transformational in creating the Canadian Peace Museum.” - Chris Houston 
• “The need to promote peace has never been more urgent. With rising violence, polarization, and hatred, we must help people learn ways to exist in peace, cherish the peace that we have and work for a more peaceful world.” - Chris Houston 
• “North Hastings Community Trust was entrusted with the building several years ago, and it has served as a home for our programs and gatherings. As our work continues to grow in new directions, we are honoured to transfer stewardship to the Canadian Peace Museum, an organization that shares our values of conflict resolution, equity and inclusion, environmental stewardship, education and awareness, and community engagement. These are values that both the Peace Museum and North Hastings Community Trust uphold.” – Lorie Bird, Chair, North Hastings Community Trust 

Both the North Hastings Community Trust and the Canadian Peace Museum have agreed that the existing community garden will continue to be supported at the premises. The tradition of local community groups using the space for community-focused work will continue. 

The museum will host exhibits, workshops, and educational programs exploring peacebuilding in Canada and worldwide. The museum expects to open in phases. The ground floor is planned to open in early 2026. Fundraising continues, including for renovating the upper floor and operational costs. The museum welcomes additional contributions to help renovate and prepare the building for public useThe Canadian Peace Museum looks forward to partnering with local schools, community groups, and organizations to create meaningful learning experiences. 

Media Can Contact us here for an immediate response