Construction boom in prisons and lockups

To meet the growing needs of the province, 11
lockups were built within one decade:

« Departure Bay (1880);
a Granville (1883);
= Clinton (1885);

« Cowichan, Cassiar, Lillooet, Spallumcheen

(1887);
» Moodyville, Alberni (1888);
a Alberni (1889); and
« Kelowna (1890).

The select committee appointed in 1885
discussed security and control within the gaols.
Although general order and sanitary conditions

were satisfactory, it noted that more stringent
discipline was necessary to deal with the
recidivist population. The construction of a
new gaol at Victoria was recommended to
replace the existing facility, which was in
disrepair.

Security was receiving more attention in the
construction of gaols. A new gaol built in New
Westminster in 1885 reflected a change in
architecture to a more secure structure of stone
and brick. The building was a three-storey
structure located outside the core of the city,
with a capacity for 156 inmates (77 cells),
including accommodation for 12 women.

New Westminster Gaol (1901) BC Archives {A-03353)

Era of Punishment (1871-1949)

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