On April 30, 2026, the Bancroft & District Chamber of Commerce held its annual Best in Business Awards ceremony, recognizing eleven local businesses and organizations for their contributions to the region. The afternoon event, hosted at Loyalist College, brought together business owners, community members, and Chamber partners to celebrate the businesses that make the region stronger.
Now in its latest edition, the Best in Business Awards program recognizes businesses across eleven award categories, each reflecting a distinct quality of community leadership, service, and commitment. This year’s recipients were selected from community nominations across the area, chosen by popular vote from hundreds of voters.
2026 Best in Business Award Recipients
The President’s Award: Tweed & Co Theatre
Presented by Board President Mike Daly, this award recognizes exceptional leadership, dedication to excellence, and lasting impact on the community.
Tweed & Co Theatre operates the Bancroft Village Playhouse, a 184-seat historic theatre in the heart of Bancroft, producing professional Canadian musical theatre and running youth camps, concerts, and film screenings year-round. The volume and depth of community support for this year’s recipient was extraordinary, people drove an hour to attend, seniors found entertainment they could access, and children discovered a love of theatre.
“Tweed and Company puts on very good entertainment right in the community but their most important contribution is the excellent children’s and teens’ theatre camps they run every summer.”
The Community Contribution Award: Pinestar Family Restaurant
Sponsored by Jasmine Mackey Insurance Agency Ltd., this award honours outstanding community spirit, generosity, and commitment to making the region a better place.
The Community Contribution Award honours a business whose impact goes beyond the transaction, one that brings people together and makes this a better place to live. Pinestar Family Restaurant has grown from a roadside stop into a community hub, offering an expanded menu, a beloved bakery, and themed dinners that give the community a reason to gather.
“Watching the new owner and staff build up the business has given hope to a lot of people in this small town. It has went from a regular truck stop restaurant to a restaurant with a larger selection, an excellent bakery, and themed dinners for the community to gather at.”
The Community Futures Award: B.K. Tree Services
Sponsored by Community Futures Development Corporation, this award recognizes dedication to growth, innovation, and building a stronger future for the region.
B.K. Tree Services is known for scheduled maintenance work, but it’s their response in times of crisis, showing up after storms to clear hazards and protect homes and businesses that earned them this recognition.
“Not only does B.K. Tree Service help homeowners with scheduled maintenance, they have also supported many in times of crisis when severe weather events have impacted trees and threatened personal, home and business safety.”
The Warm Welcome Award: Bancroft Inn & Suites
Presented for outstanding community support and continuous economic contributions to the area.
Bancroft Inn & Suites has been a reliable, welcoming landing spot for business travellers, tourists, and visitors to local residents alike, known for a clean, updated facility and consistently efficient service.
“They have a very clean and updated facility with competitive rates. Every time I stay there I’m impressed with the great reliable and efficient service. Business people, tourists and visitors to local residents can all rely on their hospitality.”
The Integrity in Business Award: The Clear Water Shop
Recognizing a commitment to ensuring safe, clean drinking water for the area and going above and beyond to support those most in need.
Richard and Heather Provost, owners of The Clear Water Shop, have built their business around ensuring safe, clean drinking water for the community, hosting free annual BBQs, donating proceeds back to local causes, and providing heavily discounted water services to those who need it most.
“This company has gone above and beyond helping the less fortunate in our community. Beyond holding community BBQs they have provided heavily discounted water services to those struggling financially who might not otherwise have safe drinking water.”
The Community Initiative Award: Go With Crowe Real Estate
Honouring a business that gives back through food drives, charitable initiatives, and year-round local engagement across the area.
Go With Crowe Real Estate has built a reputation for creative, fun fundraising, from fall food drives to seasonal community events, and for actively supporting other local businesses, including making a habit of meeting clients at neighbouring shops.
“Go With Crowe has had such a positive impact on the community through their involvement in initiatives like their fall food drive and their upcoming Easter event. It’s clear they genuinely care about giving back and supporting local families.”
The Rooted in Service Award: Highway Garden Centre
Presented in recognition of beautifying downtown Bancroft year after year with expert horticultural knowledge and outstanding customer care.
Highway Garden Centre, owned and operated by Wayne Beker and Troy Miller, has transformed its seasonal garden centre into a destination, beautifying the downtown core year after year with stunning displays and bringing expert horticultural knowledge and enthusiastic service to gardeners of every experience level.
“The town flowers lining the downtown core are amazing every year. The staff at HGC are always so helpful and knowledgeable. They work so hard to help make our town and communities look beautiful.”
The Heart of the Community Award: North Hastings Children Services
Recognizing the organization’s support for children, youth, and families across the region through inclusive, culturally rooted programming.
North Hastings Children Services provides inclusive, culturally rooted programming that supports children, youth, and families across North Hastings, filling a critical gap in a rural community where resources can be limited, and doing so with heart, integrity, and professionalism.
“This organization supports not only children, but also Indigenous families and local youth. It provides inclusive, culturally respectful programming and creates a safe, supportive space where individuals feel valued and empowered.”
The Never Too Busy for You Award: North Hastings Family Pharmacy
Presented for delivering personalized, compassionate pharmacy care that treats every customer like a member of the family.
A locally owned PharmaChoice pharmacy serving Bancroft since 1964, North Hastings Family Pharmacy offers a full range of services, from medication management and vaccinations to chronic condition support and minor ailment consultations, all delivered with the warmth and familiarity of a small-town practice.
“It’s a drugstore with small town values, friendly atmosphere, and it’s someone you know.”
The One of a Kind Award: The Old Hastings Mercantile & Gallery
Celebrating a business that honours local makers, preserves community history, and connects the community to a wider audience.
The One of a Kind Award goes to a business that is, as the name suggests, impossible to replicate. Located in a historic 1880s general store in Ormsby, The Old Hastings Mercantile & Gallery is owned by Gary and Lillian Pattison, both accomplished artists and musicians. Across 11 uniquely themed rooms, visitors find fine Canadian arts and crafts, vintage items, antiques, and handmade products, alongside the Pattisons’ tireless support for local makers and community causes.
“Many small entrepreneurs, craftsmen and specialty product producers have their products displayed and sold at The Old Hastings Mercantile & Gallery.”
The Dreams Into Rooms Award: York River Interiors
Recognizing a business that turns houses into homes through thoughtful design and genuine passion for the people and spaces of this community.
York River Interiors, led by Laura, has brought people together through design workshops and social gatherings, and has transformed spaces, from private homes to community facilities, into places that feel welcoming and lived-in.
“Laura is a compassionate business woman who makes other dreams a reality. York River Interiors has positively impacted our community by bringing many individuals together during design workshops and social gatherings.”
The Bancroft & District Chamber of Commerce thanks its award sponsoring from the Community Futures Development Corporation, and Jasmine Mackey Insurance Agency Ltd., as well, Loyalist College provided the venue, Mineral Capital Catering provided refreshments, and Ivy and Oak Photography captured the event.