Damon Bennett reveals his ‘Project of the Heart’ at CFB Trenton

Commander Colin Keiver tries a sample of the brew at the Earl of Bessborough Social House opening
(photo: Nick Roy/Bryck Productions)

It is finished! It’s been one year since TV celebrity builder (and real-life contractor) Damon Bennett took a year out of his life to transform an under-utilized social hall at CFB Trenton (Ontario) into an all-ranks pub and social gathering place. On November 11, as part of the enormous Remembrance Day ceremonies at the base, Damon was able to look back and reflect on his accomplishment. The ‘Earl of Bessborough Social House’ was officially open!

In particular, Damon could reflect with satisfaction on what started as an invitation to speak at a mess dinner at CFB Trenton and a student gathering at nearby Loyalist College in Belleville back in 2015, and how that had developed into not just a huge personal commitment, but foundations on which to build potential new partnerships. While the CFB Trenton gig resulted in an invitation from 8 Wing Commander Colonel Colin Keiver to help with the hall renovation project, the student talk in Belleville looks like it will pay off going forward with a build-and-film production partnership with Loyalist’s construction and film studies programs.

An under-utilized hall was transformed into a comfortable pub and gathering place
(photo: Nick Roy/Bryck Productions, John Bleasby)

Replica of the historic Queen’s Gate, wall photos, scale model aircraft suspended from the ceiling….
The Earl of Bessborough Social House is brimming with history, the result of a passion shared by Damon, 8 Wing Commander Colonel Colin Keiver and Chief Warrant Officer Darcy Elder.  “We really gelled,” says Damon.  “The project ran a bit overtime, but I wanted to make sure they were fully satisfied. The biggest thing for me was making sure it was a really nice relaxed atmosphere,” says Damon.  “I wanted them to feel they were away from base, that they could go there for a beer, relax, talk, get things off their chests, then go home at the end of the day. It’s like you’re in a living room. I think that’s we really ended up accomplishing. The other part is that you can look over at the gates and understand where you come from and therefore a better understanding of where you’re going.”

Trade partners were the key
Damon is quick to point out that the project was only possible because of the committed assistance of key trade partners right from the start, including Elite Home Builders (site managers), and Southport Cabinetry (bar, cabinets and wainscoting). Others joined later. “Hotwire Electric came in from Toronto and saved me at the last minute,” says Damon. “They did a fantastic job. To be honest, all these people who came on-board with the project made me look good. I could never do projects like this without the partners I’ve had.”

A replica of CFB Trenton’s historic Queen’s Gates divides the casual pub from the facility’s banquet room.
(photo: Nick Roy/Bryck Productions)

A once-in-a lifetime project, documented on film throughout
Loyalist College was “hugely supportive” from the outset, explained Damon. Although he wanted to engage their construction program students, synchronization between the project’s timelines and the College’s semester calendar prevented that. However, the Loyalist film students were able to play a valuable role by documenting not just the project itself but the activities of Forces personnel as they went about their duties, plus dozens of interviews with veterans. Out that came film student Nick Roy, now Damon’s Director of Photography (DOP). “He’s probably one of the better people I have worked with in film.”

New projects and partnerships with TV potential
The filming that took place throughout the project is now being edited by Loyalist students. “We’ve given them a real project to work on, and in the future I want to do the same with their construction students,” says

Celebrating the opening are (from left) Colonel Colin Keiver, Loyalist College film student Nick Roy, Damon, and Chana Bennett
(photo: Nick Roy/Bryck Productions)

Damon. “Getting them out of the classroom and on to a real construction site is the best way to learn.” Specifically, Damon’s would like pursue a relationship with Loyalist College that might include a television series, starting with CFB Trenton project.  “It’s going to take a few months to edit everything down, and as that happens I’ll be out actively shopping it around to networks. I’d love to see it released during Canada’s 150th Birthday in 2017. It’s more than just the construction; we have the veterans that we interviewed and the interaction with every squadron on base that showed what they do for Canada.”

Back to the real world of building for clients
Damon is also returning to work that puts food on his table, specifically developing the Bennett Building Company. “I’ve got three quotes in the works right now in final negotiations that will build next year, and a small project to complete before Christmas. I’m hoping to push hard on my business this coming year; it’s time to get to work!”

follow John on Twitter @john_bleasby