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History of the Old Cobourg Jail

In 1906, number 77 Albert Street was purchased from the McCutcheon Family by the Corporation of the United Counties of Northumberland and Durham to house prisoners from the old “Goal” as it was then called. ... Cobourg Jail was one of the biggest of its time, holding up to one hundred inmates.


The Jail continued to be expanded as the region grew, adding cells, offices and a huge concrete wall to keep the prisoners inside during it's 92 year history.

In 1998, the Cobourg Jail closed its doors for the last time and it was auctioned off to the highest bidder. What do you do with an old Jail, with the front building designated a historic site? That has exterior character if it wasn't for the 17 foot concrete wall surrounding the back half of the complex? And enough steel inside to build a battleship?


Cobourg Jail was one of the biggest of its time, holding up to one hundred inmates. The jail was finally closed to inmates in 1998 and acquired by private interests in early 1999, purchased from the County of Northumberland who acted under the Provincial Government of Ontario to operate the Correctional Institute.

It has since been converted into a luxury 20+ Room Country Inn & Hotel.

This is a beautiful 1906 Georgian manor that has big bright rooms as well as the jail themed rooms for that authentic jail feel . Lots to do in Cobourg . Places to eat and entertainment abound , especially in the summer . We are steps from the 5th nicest beach in Canada. We are in the downtown on the harbour and steps away from Victoria Hall and the Heritage downtown. Our own Pub/Restaurant is 75 yards away at 38 Covert St which is an easy walk. Shopping and restaurants for many tastes and what ever tickles your fancy or your palates. We of course have all the usual fast food restaurants a short drive or bus ride or Cab Fare away. We are 60 Mile east of Toronto about a mile south of Highway 401 which runs east to Kingston, Ottawa, Montreal or all of Quebec. West, we have Highways 401, 407, 404, 400, 403 and the Queen Elizabeth Way connecting the GTA and all of Ontario right down to Niagara Falls. The GTA (Toronto) is currently the fastest growing city in N. America with its Airport.





A SPLENDID REPORT ON COUNTIES JAIL 1918

Inspection of Jail for the United Counties of Northumberland and Durham

An official visit of inspection was made to the jail of the united counties of Northumberland and Durham, at Cobourg, on July 25th, 1918.

Officials---Gaoler, G. L. McLaughlin; Turnkey, S.E. Ferguson; Matron, Mrs. McLaughlin.


At the time of the inspection there were seven male prisoners in custody. There were 66 commitments to this gaol since October 1st, 1917.

The general condition of the building was satisfactory. The corridors, cells, beds, bedding, yards, toilets, etc., were all clean and tidy. The drainage and water supply are those of the town of Cobourg.

There were no prisoners sick at the time of inspection. One of the prisoners was insane.

The quality of food supplied is good and in accordance with jail regulations. The supplies are obtained by open purchase. The cost of rations for the past quarter was 21 cents per day per inmate. This is the highest daily cost in the history of the jail. The average daily cost during the past year was only 15 cents. There were no complaints amongst the prisoners.

The prisoners are bathed on admission and once a week thereafter.

The prisoners are given the usual jail employment.

The clothing consists of 18 suits in poor condition.

The books are well-kept and up-to-date.

The jail physician makes a thorough inspection of the jail every three months.

There is a fine garden in connection with the jail.

The discipline and management are satisfactory.

Alex. McKay, Inspector.

Toronto, July 25th, 1918

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