‘From our little town to the moon’: Ingersoll, Ont., rallies behind astronaut Jeremy Hansen

In the small southwestern Ontario town of Ingersoll, excitement is building for a moment that feels almost larger than life.

Hometown astronaut Jeremy Hansen is set to make history as the first Canadian to travel beyond the Earth’s orbit to the moon’s orbit, and for many residents, the milestone is both surreal and deeply personal.

“It’s incredible, honestly,” said Leslie Van Sanden, a public service clerk at the Ingersoll Public Library. “To think that somebody from our little town is doing something so big … it’s mind blowing.”

As Hansen prepares to fly on NASA’s Artemis II mission, as early as tonight, residents across Ingersoll, from students to seniors, are rallying behind him and celebrating both a historic milestone for Canada and a personal achievement for their community.

His journey has sparked pride, curiosity and a renewed sense of possibility. Many say it shows that even from a small town, dreams can reach as far as the moon.

For Kristy Van Kooten-Bossence, executive director of Ingersoll Services for Seniors, Hansen’s journey is deeply personal.

Her late brother was friends with Hansen in high school and she remembers him talking about becoming an astronaut long before it seemed possible.

“He said back then that he was going to the moon and he was going to do it,” she said. “Well, we know he’s going.”

Van Kooten-Bossence said watching that dream unfold has been exciting, especially as many in the community recognize they are witnessing a historic moment.

“I was talking to a few seniors around here and they’re pumped,” she said. “They’re pumped that a Canadian is going to the moon.”.

“We’re just so proud of him here. He’s such an inspiration to everybody out there who has dreams. They can come true.”

For Mayor Brian Petrie, Hansen’s journey represents more than just a space mission. It reflects what is possible, no matter where someone comes from.

“It’s still a little unbelievable that someone from our town is at this level,” he said.

“It really proves to people it doesn’t matter where you come from if you’ve got big dreams, and I can’t think of a bigger dream than this.”

Petrie said the achievement is a point of pride for residents but also brings broader recognition to the community.

“It puts us on the world stage. Lots of people do great stuff, but to be able to recognize the accomplishment of any resident of Ingersoll at one time going and following their dreams is a big thing.”

At the Ingersoll Public Library, a display dedicated to Hansen has been drawing attention, especially from young visitors.

Staff say books about space are frequently being checked out as curiosity grows.

“It’s been very thought-provoking to have it,” said Susan Seymour, a public service clerk at the Ingersoll Public Library. “It’s really an eye-opener for many people.”

Seymour said the display is sparking interest among children and encouraging them to think about their own possibilities.

“It inspires them of what they can do and that the sky’s the limit, literally,” she said. “It doesn’t matter what level of income you have or what education… with the right preparation and the right support.”

For Seymour, Hansen’s journey is about more than space. It is a reflection of what the community is capable of.

“It helps underline the fact that Ingersoll people are unique and talented,” she said. “I’m really proud of him, and I’m really happy that he’s from Ingersoll. Way to go!”

Like millions around the world, residents in Ingersoll will be watching closely as the mission is scheduled to take flight. For them, they’ll be cheering on one of their own.