Clarington Council Unanimously Votes to Save Camp 30 Cafeteria Building
The Jury Lands Foundation (JLF) is celebrating a major milestone after Clarington Council unanimously approved a motion that saves the historic Camp 30 Cafeteria Building from demolition and authorizes JLF to move forward with the work required to preserve it.
Council’s decision was made at the Planning & Development Committee meeting on Monday, January 19, 2026, where members voted in favour of allowing JLF to advance preservation efforts for the Cafeteria Building — a nationally significant World War II site at Camp 30, the former prisoner-of-war camp and site of the Battle of Bowmanville — the only battle fought on Canadian soil during the Second World War.
The motion confirms that JLF will assume responsibility for securing the funding required to support the preservation and rehabilitation of the Cafeteria Building, and states Council has full confidence in JLF’s ability to fundraise for the work ahead.
To date, more than $1 million has been secured, including $500,000 in Federal Legacy grant funding matched by $500,000 from the Municipality of Clarington, alongside additional community donations and private fundraising support.
“This vote is a turning point,” said Marilyn Morawetz, Chair of the Jury Lands Foundation. “It means the Cafeteria Building can be preserved through rehabilitation, and it sends a clear message that our community believes this history matters. We are grateful for Council’s confidence in JLF and we’re ready to get to work.”
The unanimous vote follows months of community advocacy and volunteer-led outreach to protect Camp 30 for future generations, including strong attendance at council meetings and a petition that surpassed 5,000 signatures.
With Council’s approval, JLF is now ready to move into the next phase of the project, beginning with required abatement work and site preparation to support safe rehabilitation of the Cafeteria Building.
Manorville Homes completed an updated professional structural assessment and presented a budget proposal to Council confirming the building can be preserved and outlining the estimated costs to rehabilitate the Cafeteria Building. Based on that budget proposal, approximately $1.6 million needs to be raised to complete Phase 1 work. Council has given JLF until December 31, 2026 to raise the remaining funds.
Supporters can donate at jurylandsfoundation.com/make-a-donation
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love