Sir Frederick Banting's homestead in Alliston could soon be known as the Banting Homestead Heritage Park.

A New Tecumseth commissioned study, which cost the town $50,000, recommends the site be used to maintain the heritage value of the homestead and tell the story of Banting and early 20th century rural life. It should also contribute to healthy-living practices and experiences and support the sustainability of farming through training and innovation.

The report will be up for discussion at tonight's (Mon., June 23) committee of the whole meeting.

Lord Cultural Resources put together the report, working alongside a town steering committee that includes council members, people from the community and members of the Banting family.

One of the goals of the report is to have people using the property as soon as next summer.

In the report, upgrades to the six buildings on the property and developing the site are expected to cost about $1.9 million.

Aside from being used as a heritage park, a partnership with Stevenson Memorial Hospital to run an adult outpatient diabetes program is also suggested. Banting Memorial High School is also a potential partner to run a FarmStart program. FarmStart is a private not-for-profit organization that supports and encourages a new generation of farmers.

The report also indicates that the Sir Frederick Banting Legacy Foundation intends to pursue its vision of having a children's diabetes camp on the site. That group will be bringing a proposal to New Tecumseth for use of a portion of the site for the camp.

As a heritage park, in the first year of operation, the total revenue is estimated at $87,750 and the expenses are $142,411. By year five the gap between revenue and expenses is expected to be around $44,000. The funding shortfall would be raised from grants and other sources.

The report proposes the heritage park to be open to the public seasonally. In June, July and August it would be open seven days a week, with the site being available from 9 a.m. to dusk and the buildings from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

In May and from September to Thanksgiving the site would be open during the day on Saturdays and Sundays. During the week group visits would be available by appointment.

Marketing for the heritage park would be geared towards local and regional residents. Tourists and niche tourists, or daytrippers, would also be targeted.

A heritage park manager would work fulltime from April to October and part time from November through March. Three seasonal program staff would also be needed for June to August. Occasional part-time staff would also be needed for reception, to support programs as needed, and for weekends in the fall.

Admission to the park would be free, but visitors would be encouraged to make a donation at one of two donation boxes in prominent locations.

A fee will be charged for programming such as day camps and classes. A retail shop will also sell refreshments, crafts, preserves and possibly baked items from certified providers. Other items, such as cookbooks, that stick to the educational goals will also be sold.

Revenue-generating areas of the homestead suggested in the report are the parlour/dining area that can be rented as a meeting room. The rebuilt hen house can also be used for sales and storage and the barn loft for public programming and events.

An annual fundraiser is also suggested to support special projects and events at the park.

It has been a long journey to ensure the preservation of the Banting Homestead.

When Edward Banting died in 1999 the land was bequeathed to the Ontario Historical Society (OHS).

New Tecumseth was working on a deal to buy the land from the OHS in 2006 when a developer, Solmar Development Corp., approached the OHS to buy the property for $2 million, twice what the town was offering.

After the Solmar sale was announced the town moved to protect the land under the Ontario Heritage Act. In October 2007 the Conservation Review Board supported New Tecumseth's decision to protect the land.

The town bought the Banting Homestead in 2008 for $600,000. It officially took possession of the homestead June 30, 2008. To date, town fundraising efforts have raised about $200,000 in donations. About $50,000 of in-kind donations has also been raised.

New Tecumseth's Recreation and Culture Department has been doing critical repairs to the house and maintaining the grounds while a future use for the homestead is determined.