The City of Oshawa has announced the South Field Heritage Conservation District at the Oshawa Executive Airport and the completion of renovations to the historic Canteen Building.
The city-owned South Field at the Oshawa Executive Airport has been recognized by council as a Heritage Conservation District under the Ontario Heritage Act. This is the city’s first Heritage Conservation District. The heritage district designation will assist in the protection and enhancement of the cultural heritage values of the district through the adoption of a Heritage Conservation District Plan, containing policies and guidelines for conservation, protection and enhancement of the area’s special character, said a city statement.
The South Field Heritage Conservation District includes the former Canteen and Stores Buildings, the No. 10 Building (home to the No. 420 Wing) and Airmen’s Park.
The former Canteen and Stores Buildings and the No. 10 Building all operated as part of the No. 20 Elementary Flight Training School (E.F.T.S.) during World War II. The Canteen Building served as the canteen for the No. 20 E.F.T.S. from 1941 to 1947, after which it was converted into a classroom and office space for the Ontario Regiment.
The $300,000 restoration to the Canteen Building was completed in September 2021. The project included restoration of the existing windows, siding, doors, roof and interior floor, and the rebuilding of the radio wing.
Highlights of the South Field Heritage Conservation District area include:
- The three buildings which display construction methods and materials representative of construction during the Second World War;
- Several plaques, mementos and activities – including the Canadair Mark V Sabre Jet in Airmen’s Park – which have direct associations to Canada’s military and aeronautical history, in particular Canada’s contribution to the war effort through the training of Allied forces at the No. 20 E.T.F.S.; and,
- An important contextual display of the Oshawa Executive Airport’s illustrious history and a historical snapshot of a different period in Oshawa’s history.
“It is with great pride that we celebrate the designation of the South Field Heritage Conservation District, a first for Oshawa,” said Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter. “In addition to being structures of historical significance, these buildings symbolize our city’s resilience and strength during our most challenging moments in time. This designation honours those who bravely answered the call to duty for their country and their tremendous commitment to service.”