Canadian Peace Museum gifted building and land

 

The Canadian Peace Museum is delighted to announce that it has been gifted a building and surrounding land in Bancroft, Ont. 

The building, with over 8,000 square feet of space, was donated by the North Hastings Community and is situated on 1.4 acres of land on the outskirts of Bancroft, which is located about two-and-a-half hours west of Ottawa. 

The Canadian Peace Museum, which is a supporter of Peace Train Canada, will use the building to establish and operate a museum dedicated to promoting peace.

This will include information about what it calls “negative peace,” or the absence of war, violence and fear, and “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 it is important for Canadians to learn about how we have advanced peace throughout our history, while 75% think that it is important for Canadians to learn about Canada’s mistakes that have hindered peace throughout our history. 

“We are grateful to the North Hastings Community Trust for their generosity,” said Peace Museum Executive Director 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.” 

For Peace Train Canada organizer Bernie Wyton, the announcement is welcome news. 

“Congratulations to Chris Houston for his creative vision and tireless work to establish this Peace Museum,” she said. “It will benefit Canadians and visitors in the transfer of wisdom and lessons learned in the pursuit of universal peace and security.” 

The Museum will use the building, which will open in phases, to host exhibits, workshops, and educational programs exploring peacebuilding in Canada and worldwide. Contributions to renovate and prepare the building for public use are welcome by visiting https://canadianpeacemuseum.ca/

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