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 1909-10 under the supervision of provincial architect Samuel Hooper. 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.
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.
Vaughan Street Gaol (May 2017)
Source: George Penner
Vaughan Street Gaol (May 2017)
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:
Louts, Lunatics, and Loose Women at the Vaughan Street Jail by Kristen Verin-Treusch
Manitoba History, Number 53, October 2006
This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough and George Penner.
Page revised: 2 November 2020
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