A Few Fast Facts About Bancroft and Area

  • Town Population: 3500

  • Airport: 2200 foot runway

  • 13 Schools (Public, Christian, Senior Elementary, High, and Community College)

  • 21 Churches

  • 3 Bible Camps

  • Recreation Facilities: Bowling, Curling, Golf, Hockey, Live Theatre

  • Cultural Facilities: Art Gallery, Bandshell, Library, Museum, Playhouse

  • Events: Frosty Frolics, Rock Hound Gemboree, Septemberfest, Rally of the Tall Pines

  • Financial Institutions: 3 Banks, 2 Credit Unions, 1 Other

  • 2 Weekly Newspapers

  • 3 Provincial Parks nearby

  • Local Radio Station: 97.7 FM CHMS (The Moose)

  • Internet: Dial-up and DSL Service

  • Health Care: Quinte Healthcare North Hastings

A Little History:

Bancroft, the "Mineral Capital of Canada", is situated on the Canadian shield. Over 1600 different mineral species have been identified in this part of the province. Since 1960, Bancroft has had a Mineral Society and today attracts thousands of people from around the world to its annual "Rockhound Gemboree". In 1949 the Faraday Uranium Mines Limited was formed. Uranium mining in the 1950's and 60's created a modern day boom to this area. At its peak, the mill was treating 1600 tons of ore per day.

Bancroft in 1855 Hastings County was established in 1792 as the eleventh county of Upper Canada. The first settlers were United Empire Loyalists and later came Irish settlers fleeing the potatoe famines. The native peoples, the Mississagas and the Chippewas, relinquished their land rights to the Government through friendly negotiations in the early 1800's. During the town's early years, it had several names. It started as York Mills, then York Branch, The Branch, and finally it became York River in 1861. The name was changed again in 1879 to Bancroft by the energetic Senator Billa Flint. He was instrumental in bringing many skilled tradespeople to this area. He had the named changed to Bancroft in honor of his wife, Phoebe, who's maiden name was Bancroft. The Flint's were honored with three streets being named after them, Phoebe, Billa, and Flint.

The York River flows through the center of town and empties into the Madawaska River before joining the Ottawa River. This area has been the center for logging, trapping, and mining in Hastings County. From 1858 to 1872 there was a steady influx of settlers eager to start their homes and get title to the free 100 acre parcels being offered.

York River In December of 1904, Bancroft became an incorporated village, entirely independent of Faraday Township. After the first Municipal office building mysteriously burned, a new larger hall was built. It contained the Library, Gaol, Police, and Municipal offices and was the location for the regular Magistrate's Court. That building is the United Church Parish Hall which is used as the Village Playhouse. In 1952, the Village council moved to new quarters on Hastings Street and then in 1960 built a new building on Flint Street which is the present location of the Municipal Office. The original Red Cross Hospital was opened in January 1927 on Flint Street and in October 1949, a new 22 bed hospital was opened on Hastings Street South. Bancroft now has a new medical facility, the North Hastings Health Care Centre, which opened in 2002.