The Jury Lands Foundation (JLF) is applying for a Government of Canada Legacy Fund grant, and the Municipality of Clarington has committed to matching the grant funds up to $500,000 should the application be successful.
Along with this, local council has directed staff to execute a ten-year lease with JLF for the portion of the Camp 30 property owned by the municipality. The Foundation has been working with the municipality to determine a future for this historic property, which was formerly a training school for boys and a Second World War prisoner of war camp.
A municipal statement said financial investment is required to stabilize the cafeteria building as part of future plans for the Jury Lands. Council will be considering the investment at the October 28 council meeting.
The municipality has plans to develop Jury Lands – and the Bowmanville Zoo lands and Courtce Waterfront – including as part of its ambitious Parks, Recreation and Cult Master Plan (see below). It has estimated it will take about $20 million to develop each project.
Camp 30 is a significant architectural and historical site located in north Bowmanville. The municipality currently owns the Cafeteria Building and is working with the Jury Lands Foundation to revitalize the property and determine a future vision for community use while preserving its history and cultural significance.