Historic Shaw House reopens as fire station with accessibility upgrades in Bowmanville

The historic Shaw House, more than 130 years old, has officially reopened following significant renovations to enhance accessibility and will now serve as a local fire services headquarters in Bowmanville.

Originally constructed in 1888 for Jane Shaw, the house was rebuilt in 1890 after a fire and has long been a landmark in Bowmanville. It also served as the Edna Thomson Learning and Child Care Centre until 2019, when the Municipality of Clarington designated it a heritage property.

Located at 156 Church Street, directly across from the Municipal Administrative Centre, the renovation project began in December 2022 and includes essential features such as an elevator, an accessibility ramp, and a universal washroom.

Todd McCarthy, Member of Provincial Parliament for Durham, remarked on the building’s legacy: “Shaw House has held significance in our community for over a century. Our government is proud to preserve its history while renewing its purpose as the headquarters for Clarington Emergency and Fire Service Administration.”

Mayor Adrian Foster acknowledged the support from both the federal and provincial governments, emphasizing the importance of making the building accessible.

The renovation was supported by a $300,000 investment from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program – COVID-19 Resilience Infrastructure Stream.

Ryan Turnbull, Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, expressed pride in this collaborative effort: “We are proud to partner with the government of Ontario to create a more accessible and safe space for the Emergency and Fire Services team.” He emphasized the commitment to adapting the building for future generations.

In celebration of the grand opening, Mayor Adrian Foster and members of Clarington Council were joined by Todd McCarthy, senior CEFS staff, and members of the Clarington Heritage Committee to cut the ribbon and officially welcome the CEFS Administration to its new home.

—Cover photo and article photos via website @clarington.net