Former Director of Ontario Boys’ Camp Denies Sexual Misconduct Allegations

The longtime director of Kilcoo Camp near Minden, Ontario, David Latimer, is denying all sexual misconduct allegations made against him in two separate lawsuits. The lawsuits were filed earlier this year by a former student camper and a former staff member, accusing Latimer of grooming, manipulation, and sexual assault. Latimer’s lawyers have filed statements of defence at the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, claiming that he treated both plaintiffs like any other student.

The lawsuits, filed in July of this year on behalf of plaintiffs identified as J. Doe #1 and J. Doe #2, are seeking a minimum of $5.5 million in damages from Latimer and Kilcoo Camp. The camp is accused of failing to protect the two plaintiffs. Latimer, who served as the camp’s director from 1985 until his resignation earlier this year, denies any knowledge of assault or inappropriate relationships between himself and the plaintiffs.

J. Doe #1’s Allegations

The first statement of claim, filed by a Toronto resident born in 1983, alleges that J. Doe #1 attended Kilcoo Camp for two consecutive years between 1990 and 1993. During this time, Latimer allegedly developed a close relationship with them, giving them a special nickname and buying them gifts. The claim further states that Latimer sexually assaulted J. Doe #1 in a garage located in a nearby house on the lake.

In his statement of defence, Latimer expresses shock at J. Doe #1’s allegations of sexual assault and battery. He denies any inappropriate interaction and refutes the allegations made against him. According to Latimer’s defence, he treated J. Doe #1 like any other student and only had limited interaction with them approximately three decades ago.

J. Doe #2’s Allegations

The second statement of claim, filed by a woman born in 1989 from Stouffville, Ontario, accuses Latimer of grooming her during her first attendance at Kilcoo Camp between 2001 and 2003. The claim alleges that when she returned to the camp as a 19-year-old staff member in 2009, Latimer sexually assaulted her under the guise of a spiritual and romantic relationship.

J. Doe #2’s lawsuit includes allegations of sexually explicit phone calls, text messages, pornographic videos, fondling, and Latimer masturbating in front of her. The lawsuit further claims that Latimer used gifts, such as concert tickets, weekend trips, massages, and lingerie, to reward J. Doe #2 for complying with his sexual demands and keeping the abuse secret.

In response to J. Doe #2’s allegations, Latimer vehemently denies the accusations. He admits to meeting her in the 2000s during an outdoor educational program but asserts that he treated her like any other student. Latimer denies engaging in any physical contact of a sexual nature with J. Doe #2, stating that all interactions between them occurred with her complete consent.

Latimer’s statement of defence also highlights J. Doe #2’s success and promotions in her chosen career since leaving Camp Kilcoo a decade ago. The defence suggests that she has stayed connected with Latimer over the years and even visited the camp in the summer of 2022.

Latimer is seeking the dismissal of both lawsuits. However, his lawyer has not provided any further comments regarding the case. On the other hand, Gillian Hnatiw, the law clerk representing the plaintiffs, has stated that the next steps in the legal process will include document exchange and examinations, likely taking place in the first half of 2024.

Support is available for anyone who has been sexually assaulted. You can access crisis lines and local support services through the Government of Canada website or the Ending Violence Association of Canada database. If you’re in immediate danger or fear for your safety or that of others around you, please call 911.