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The construction in 1886 of a gaol in Victoria,
at Topaz and Hillside Street (a location outside
the city), again signalled the shift in architecture.
Replacing the decaying structure at Bastion
Square, the new structure was similar in design
to the gaol at New Westminster. Its capacity
was slightly smaller: There were 66 men’s cells
with 118 beds, and nine women’s cells, each
with a bed. Three cells had administrative
segregation.

At the end of this year, the superintendent of
police and warden of gaols recommended that
accommodation be increased to provide living
space on the grounds for guards.’ One reason
for this recommendation was the facility’s
seclusion. It was also reasoned that guards
might be necessary for safety and security in

Hillside Gaol, Victoria: Warden R.F. John and staff (1892) BC Archives (D-01778}

case of fire or escape. A Select Committee on
the Victoria New Gaol supported the
recommendation in 1887.

The gaol in the Interior of the province was no
longer fit for its purpose. Expansion was
necessary and in 1887, tenders were called for a
new Kamloops Gaol. The gaol was built at a
cost of $4,500, and opened in 1887 at the
southwest corner of First and Victoria adjacent
to the provincial courthouse. This facility
setved as a lockup and gaol for short-term
prisoners in B.C.’s Interior. It was described as
follows:

Two storeys high with walls built of solid
three-by-five inch scantling, There were

eight cells and an office, sleeping quarters,
dining room and kitchen for the jailor. At

7 Superintendent of Police, Prisons Report 1886 (Victoria, B.C., October 1887).

24

Corrections in British Columbia