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Olivia L.
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Red River Heritage Fair
The Vaughan Street Jailhouse
The construction of the Vaughan Street Jailhouse in Winnipeg, MB. was completed in 1883 and is the oldest Provincially owned building in Western Canada. Many historical figures were connected to this jail.
What was the most interesting thing you learned about your topic?
Men, women, children and the mentally ill were all housed at the Vaughan Street Jail. Children as young as 5 went to jail.Since there were no facilities for the mentally ill people often left family members at the prison who suffered mental illness.These prisoners were often treated the worst.
What important lessons have you learned that you want to share with other Canadians?
The Canadian Pacific Railway brought in many immigrants to Winnipeg which also brought in a lot of crime.There was a need to build a bigger jail and court house so the Vaughan Street Jailhouse was built.
How would you compare your life today to the lives of those studied in your project?
My life is much better because children have more rights today then they did back in the late 1800's. Hanging as a punishment for crime is not allowed today in Canada. People convicted of crimes have the chance to change their lives for the better while in prison through education and counselling.