Help Us Unlock a $193,000 Government of Canada Investment

Photo and sketch of deteriorating masonry, sketch of planned internal firestair (Julian Smith)

Willowbank has secured a commitment of up to $193,000 from the Government of Canada through Parks Canada to support two critical projects at the Willowbank National Historic Site: the stabilization and restoration of the Manor House’s northwest wall and the construction of a new internal fire stair.

The funding is being provided through the National Cost-Sharing Program for Heritage Places, which supports the protection of national historic sites, heritage lighthouses and heritage railway stations across Canada.

This is an extraordinary opportunity for Willowbank — but to unlock the full federal investment, we need your help.

Two Critical Projects for Willowbank’s Future

The combined cost of the two projects is approximately $386,000.

The first will address significant deterioration of the Manor House’s northwest wall, helping to safeguard the structural integrity and long-term future of this irreplaceable National Historic Site.

The second will create a new internal fire stair, providing safe, code-compliant access to the third floor of the Manor House. This will allow Willowbank to activate significantly more of the building for student learning, collaboration, community engagement and future programming.

Together, these projects will both protect the historic Manor House and expand what is possible within it.

Every Dollar Can Have Twice the Impact

Through the funding agreement, the Government of Canada will contribute up to 50% of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $193,000.

To access the full investment, Willowbank must raise the remaining funds through donations from our community of supporters.

That means every eligible dollar donated helps unlock an additional dollar from the Government of Canada:

• A gift of $100 becomes $200

• A gift of $2,000 becomes $4,000

• A gift of $10,000 becomes $20,000

• A gift of $50,000 becomes $100,000

If Willowbank does not raise the full matching amount, we will not be able to access the entire $193,000 available. Every contribution helps ensure that no portion of this extraordinary opportunity is left behind.

Safeguarding a National Historic Site. Investing in the Future.

Willowbank is both a National Historic Site and Canada’s leading school of heritage conservation.

Since 2006, the Willowbank School of Restoration Arts has educated the next generation of heritage professionals through a distinctive hands-on approach that brings together traditional trades, craft, conservation science and sustainability.

This campaign is about more than restoring a building. It is about ensuring that this remarkable place can continue to serve as a living environment for learning, conservation and community for generations to come.

With your support, we can stabilize and restore the Manor House, create new opportunities for students and the wider community, and secure the future of a place where Canada’s heritage is not only preserved, but actively taught and carried forward.

The opportunity is here. The need is urgent. And your gift can have twice the impact.

Will You Help Us Unlock the Full $193,000?

Donations can be made through our CanadaHelps giving page.

For larger gifts, we kindly encourage donations by cheque or e-transfer, helping Willowbank reduce processing fees and ensuring more of each gift goes directly towards our work.

To learn more about supporting this campaign, please contact:

Katie Houghton, Executive Directorkatie.houghton@willowbank.ca

905.262.1239

Willowbank is a registered Canadian charity. Official charitable tax receipts will be issued for all eligible donations.