For Immediate Release
Government of Canada Supports Jury Lands Centennial Revitalization Project with $500,000 in Funding
Bowmanville, ON — October 19, 2025 — The Jury Lands Foundation (JLF) is proud to announce new federal funding support from the Government of Canada through the Building Communities through Arts and Heritage (BCAH) Legacy Fund. The Government of Canada will contribute up to $500,000 toward the Jury Lands Centennial Revitalization Project, an initiative to preserve, stabilize, and revitalize the historic Camp 30 site.
The Jury Lands Centennial Revitalization Project focuses on the former cafeteria building and surrounding grounds at the National Historic Site of Camp 30, originally built in 1924 as part of the Bowmanville Boys’ Training School. Over the past century, the site has served as both an educational institution and a World War II prisoner-of-war camp — and was the setting of the Battle of Bowmanville, the only battle to take place on Canadian soil during the Second World War. Today, it remains one of Canada’s most important heritage landmarks.
“We have a duty to safeguard our cultural and heritage sites; they are pillars of our identity, sovereignty, and national pride,” said the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages. “This revitalization will expand opportunities for the community and visitors not only to explore, learn, and reflect on the site’s history, but also to engage with local arts, culture, and heritage. By investing in this national historic site, we are preserving its legacy and making sure that its stories can continue to educate, unite, and live on for generations to come.”
The federal contribution will help fund:
- – Structural stabilization of the cafeteria building;
- – Creation of a commemorative mural and healing garden;
- – Installation of six bilingual historic panels;
- – Grounds work to make the site safe for public programming and events;
- – Community engagement activities including volunteer participation, artist involvement, guided tours, and an unveiling event.
Community impact is at the heart of the initiative. The project will engage more than 150 volunteers contributing over 7,500 hours, provide opportunities for 50 local artists, artisans, and cultural carriers, and offer 10–15 guided tours annually to share the site’s history with residents and visitors alike.
The project runs from October 2024 through September 2026, ensuring sustained progress over two years.
“This project has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada. We are grateful for this significant investment, which allows us to take another step forward in preserving a piece of Canadian and world history for future generations,” said Marilyn Morawetz, Chair of the Jury Lands Foundation. “This is the first stage of a three-phase revitalization plan that will ultimately transform the cafeteria building into a community cultural hub. Once complete, the space will host live music, theatre, heritage programming, and contemporary arts, filling a long-identified gap in cultural and heritage venues within Clarington.
While challenges remain, JLF is committed to advancing the project with every resource available. Building on years of tours and community engagement, each new milestone — from stabilization work to preservation initiatives — represents meaningful progress in safeguarding this National Historic Site.
The Jury Lands Foundation acknowledges the support of its partners, including the Government of Canada, Province of Ontario, Municipality of Clarington, Parks Canada, Ontario Trillium Foundation, and local donors. Project information will be available in both English and French, and public activities will reflect Canada’s commitment to bilingualism.
For more information about the Jury Lands Centennial Revitalization Project or to get involved, please visit www.jurylandsfoundation.com.
Media Contact:
Marilyn Morawetz
Chair, Jury Lands Foundation
905-449-4835
info@jurylandsfoundation.com
