A consultant has been hired to map out the future of the Banting Homestead and its 107-acre property.

Monday night New Tecumseth council held a special council meeting to pass a bylaw to hire Lord Cultural Resources to prepare a master plan for the homestead. Work on the $50,000 master plan to determine the future of Sir Frederick Banting's homestead is expected to start immediately. The town is aiming for its completion by March 2.

"This is an important step towards repairing and restoring the Banting Homestead. The completion of the Master Plan will identify feasible options for the future use of the Homestead," said New Tecumseth Mayor Mike MacEachern.

There are two phases for the master plan. The first is to assess the site and recommend priorities for the homestead's restoration. After that is completed, Lord Cultural Resources will meet with the Sir Frederick Banting Legacy Foundation, stakeholders and the public to gather the different aspirations for the property. A steering committee will also be formed to give direction to the plan and ensure it properly preserves Banting's legacy.

The town officially took possession of the homestead June 30. To date, town fundraising efforts have raised more than $211,000 in donations. About $39,850 of in-kind donations has also been made. The cost of the consultant is being picked up by the Town of New Tecumseth.

While the future of the homestead is being determined, the Town Recreation and Culture Department is doing critical repairs to the house and maintaining the grounds.