Known formally as the Eastern Judicial District Gaol, the building was erected in 1881-1883, at the corner of York Avenue and Memorial Boulevard, on a design by architect Walter Chesterton. The first jailer was Patrick Lawler, who lived there with his family. The building was renovated in 1909-1910 under the supervision of provincial architect Samuel Hooper. Prisoners were transferred to the newly constructed Headingley Gaol in October 1930.
Currently, only the jail’s first floor is used by the provincial government. Cells in the upper floors have been removed, along with all insulation and light fixtures but rows of cells remain in the basement. In 2004, an organization called Friends of Vaughan Street Jail was incorporated to advocate for restoration of the building.
Period
Governor
1880-1905
Patrick Lawler (1835-1905)
1905-1919
William Henry Lindsay (1847-1919)
1919-1930
John Crawford Downie (1863-1942)
After 1930
See Headingley Gaol
Vaughan Street Gaol (circa 1884)
Source: McGill University, Notman Photographic Archives #1420.
Sketch of the Winnipeg Court House and Gaol (circa 1889)
Source: Souvenir of Winnipeg, Manitoba, Toronto News Company, 1889.
West elevation of the Vaughan Street Gaol (May 2017)
Source: George Penner
North elevator of the Vaughan Street Gaol (May 2017)
Source: George Penner
Northwest elevator of the Vaughan Street Gaol (April 2025)
Source: Milan Lukes
Southeast elevator of the Vaughan Street Gaol (April 2025)
Source: Milan Lukes
Aerial view of Vaughan Street Gaol (September 2024)
Source: George Penner
Cell in the Vaughan Street Gaol (May 2017)
Source: George PennerSite Coordinates (lat/long): N49.88780, W97.14789
denoted by symbol on the map above
See also:
Historic Sites of Manitoba: Manitoba Industrial Farm / Prison Farm (RM of Reynolds)
Historic Sites of Manitoba: Headingley Gaol / Headingley Correctional Centre (RM of Headingley)
Louts, Lunatics, and Loose Women at the Vaughan Street Jail by Kristen Verin-Treusch
Manitoba History, Number 53, October 2006
“New Headingly jail now ready for occupancy,” Winnipeg Tribune, 7 October 1930, page 16.
We thank Milan Lukes for providing additional information used here.
This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough and George Penner.
Page revised: 9 May 2025
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