Description of Historic Place

Overlooking Clear Lake, the Jamboree Hall occupies a central lakefront location within the public campground. It is a simple, rectangular, one-storey, timber structure enclosed at one end on three sides by log walls. Four vertical timbers on the open front support its hip roof. Low walls with tapered siding enclose the open sides. The designation is confined to the footprint of the building.

Heritage Value

The Jamboree Hall is a Recognized Federal Heritage Building because of its historical associations, and its architectural and environmental values:

Historical value:
The Jamboree Hall is associated with the theme of the development of the National Park system in Canada. The structure is one of a succession of recreational pavilions constructed within National Parks during the 1930s. These buildings provided a social centre for the transient summer camping community. The construction of these support facilities also relates to the theme of Depression relief activity.

Architectural value:
The Jamboree Hall is a good example of a simple utilitarian structure in a rustic style and reflects the aesthetics favoured by National Parks during the 1920s and 1930s. Built based on a standardized plan, the natural construction materials contribute to a unified picturesque image for the National Parks. It exhibits very good craftsmanship and use of materials.

Environmental value:
The Jamboree Hall occupies a conspicuous unchanged central lakefront location within the public campground. As one of the few permanent structures of the campground, it is compatible with the Clear Lake campground and picnic area setting and is familiar to wardens and campers within Riding Mountain National Park.

Sources:
Jamboree Hall, (B-10), Clear Lake Campground, Wasagaming, Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba. Heritage Character Statement 85-054.

Edward Mills, Buildings in Riding Mountain National Park, Manitoba. Heritage Character Statement 85-04 to 85-054.

Character-Defining Elements

The character-defining elements of the Jamboree Hall should be respected, for example:

Its rustic style, utilitarian design and craftsmanship, for example:

- The simple, low massing of the one-storey structure.
- The moderately-pitched hip roof and the use of peeled logs for the walls.
- The posts used as freestanding columns, and the elaborate log trusses and posts exposed in the interior.
- The perimeter subwalls with tapered siding that rise to approximately one metre above ground level.
- The prominent stone chimney and fireplace located at the centre of the enclosed wall.

The manner in which the Jamboree Hall maintains an unchanged historical relationship to its site reinforces the character of the Clear Lake campground and picnic area setting, and is familiar to wardens and campers within Riding Mountain National Park as evidenced by:

- The building’s ongoing relationship with its site of mature trees and simple landscaping.
- Its standardized design, scale, appearance and materials compatible with the adjacent buildings.
- Its role as the social centre for visitors and wardens in the park.