A historical site from the Second World War era in Bowmanville, Ontario, has been saved from potential demolition. The responsibility and financial burden of restoring the site now lie with a non-profit organization that has been actively advocating for its preservation. The Jury Lands Foundation (JLF), a volunteer group dedicated to protecting the former Camp 30 site, received unanimous approval from municipal councillors to restore a cafeteria building within the camp that was at risk of being demolished.
During a presentation to councillors by Marilyn Morawetz, the board chair of JLF, it was confirmed that the group would be responsible for fundraising to complete the restoration project. Morawetz expressed her surprise and gratitude at the unanimous support from the councillors, emphasizing the importance of not disappointing their trust.
Originally serving as a boys’ reform school in the 1920s, the site was later repurposed as a housing facility for German prisoners of war during the Second World War. The camp closed in 2008 and has since fallen into disrepair. The cafeteria building, the only municipally owned heritage structure on the property since 2022, has raised concerns among councillors regarding the funding needed for its restoration.
Following an assessment of the building’s condition by Manorville Homes, a builder specializing in restoration projects, the JLF and Manorville Homes refuted an earlier estimated cost of $4.5 million for stabilization, proposing that the work could be accomplished for half the price. It was disclosed that $2.6 million would be required to complete phase one of the restoration, with JLF already securing $1 million through a federal grant.
JJ Maclellan, a senior project manager at Manorville Homes, assured that despite its current appearance, the building’s condition was not unusual compared to other restoration projects undertaken by the company. Maclellan outlined plans to address hazardous materials, repair the roof, and stabilize the building structure in the initial restoration phase.
The remaining $1.6 million needed for the project is expected to be raised, with a timeline of approximately one year for completion once the funds are secured. Clarington councillors have set a deadline for the JLF to raise the necessary funds by the end of the year, with municipal staff collaborating with Manorville Homes to supervise the restoration efforts.