An Evening Behind Bars commemorates anniversaries of L’Orignal Jail, courtroom, and counties

A year of celebration culminated on Sunday, September 28 in L’Orignal with An Evening Behind Bars to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the L’Orignal Old Jail and Superior Court courtroom. Both facilities are the oldest of their kind in Ontario and the courtroom remains in regular use. The jail was closed in 1998 and is now a museum. The event on September 28 was also used to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR).

The highlight of the event was a reenactment of the official handover of the keys to the courthouse and jail which originally took place on September 28, 1825. Lord Charles Platt Treadwell, the last Seigneur of Longueuil (Jean-François Bédard) and his wife Margaret (Louise Bédard) presented the keys to Sheriff Alexander Macdonnell (Jean Pageau).

“I am certain these installations will serve the security and safety of our citizens,” the modern-day Sheriff said while accepting the keys.

“L’Orignal is a unique village in Ontario’s history,” Patrimoine L’Orignal-Longueil Heritage President Louise Bédard said to the audience.

“These walls are steeped in mystery and drama.”

Louise Bédard explained that following the formation of Upper Canada (now Ontario) and Lower Canada (now Quebec) in 1791, the East District was created, which included the present day UCPR. The Ottawa District was established and L’Orignal was designated as the site of the courthouse and jail. She spoke of the need to continue to preserve the jail, courthouse, and other aspects of local history.

“Let us safeguard it like a precious heirloom so that generations to come understand their roots,” Bedard said.

Marie Pageau-Handfield outlined the key events in the development of the UCPR.

“The history of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell is clearly linked to the development of Ontario,” she remarked.

The district originally included Metcalfe and Gloucester, which eventually became part of Carleton County, then the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton in 1969, and then the City of Ottawa in 2001. The UCPR itself was formed in 1820 when Prescott and Russell counties were united under a single administration. Cumberland Township was part of the UCPR until 1969 when it was transferred to Ottawa-Carleton. In 1998, the former 16 municipalities were reduced to the current eight.

The L’Orignal Old Jail was under UCPR jurisdiction until 1968 when the Ontario government assumed responsibility for all local jails and detention facilities. It underwent renovations in the 1970’s.

The UCPR administration outgrew its original offices more than 60 years ago. In 1963, the current administration centre on Court Street in L’Orignal was completed. There is a walkway connecting the administration centre to the historic courthouse and jail, but it is generally only used by employees.

The Evening Behind Bars event also included the official launch of the book Behind the Walls, written by Louise Bédard. This new history of the L’Orignal Old Jail and courthouse contains previously unpublished information about the history of both facilities.

Prescott-Russell-Cumberland Member of Parliament Giovanna Mingarelli spoke of the anniversary of the courthouse and jail as symbols of collective democracy and shared ideals

“Moments like these remind us of our history and the unity it brings to our diverse community,” Mingarelli said.

“I am proud to represent a riding where history is still alive and our heritage continues to inspire our community,” said Glengarry-Prescott-Russell Member of Provincial Parliament Stéphane Sarrazin.

Current UCPR Warden Yves Laviolette said he is honoured be the warden during a year of celebration.

Today, the jail and courthouse are in Champlain Township. Mayor Normand Riopel said community volunteers have helped preserve a local historical legacy.

“The transformation of the prison into a heritage site continues to show how we can preserve our history and give it new life,” Riopel said.

A time capsule, carefully crafted by Jean-François Bédard to look like the Old Jail and courthouse, was closed and is to be opened in 2050 when the jail will be 225 years old and the UCPR will have its 200th anniversary. The contents include an SD card containing photos from the 200th anniversary event, and a letter from Warden Yves Laviolette.

A commemorative plaque for the occasion of the 200th anniversary of the L’Orignal Old Jail was also unveiled at event.

Posted by James Morgan, TheReview.ca