JASON SETNYK
The Historic SDG Jail officially launched its 2026 tourism season during an open house, showcasing a series of recent upgrades aimed at enhancing visitor experiences while preserving one of Ontario’s oldest correctional facilities.
Hosted following the United Counties of Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry council meeting, the event welcomed councillors, community partners, and visitors to explore the downtown landmark through self-guided tours, exhibits, refreshments, and presentations from local officials.
Built in 1833, the jail operated as both a minimum and maximum security correctional facility until closing in 2002. Today, the site functions as a seasonal museum and tourism destination known for its preserved cell blocks, reconstructed gallows, and reputation as one of Canada’s most haunted historic sites.
Recent improvements were completed through Rural Economic Development (RED) funding and included new bilingual interpretive exhibits, additional signage, enhanced artefact displays, reconstructed gallows, upgraded flooring, and the installation of a new public washroom inside the jail.
“These enhancements and expanded programming are intended to strengthen the site’s role as a key heritage tourism attraction,” said Jail coordinator Becky Ranger.
Staff and tourism ambassador students are preparing for what is expected to be a busy summer season. “Our team is looking forward to an exciting and busy 2026 season,” she said.
The 2026 season continues through Aug. 23, with the jail operating Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
New offerings this year include a 1.5-hour guided tour, a bilingual self-guided map brochure supported by 16 new directional signs, expanded group tour options, and an updated accessible tour experience in the Warden’s Room featuring video content and artefacts.
Upcoming special events include paranormal investigations in June, multiple night tours throughout the summer, a documentary screening and discussion on GO-BOY with producer Rob Lindsay, and participation in Doors Open Ontario in August.
During opening remarks, MP Eric Duncan highlighted the jail’s importance as a regional tourism attraction. “This is a great tourist site, not only for SDG Counties and the building here, but for the City of Cornwall and our entire region,” Duncan said. “It brings a lot of people in, creates summer employment as well, and showcases some of the unique history that we have here.”
MPP Nolan Quinn noted the provincial investment. “About $530,000 in 2024 went into the prison through the RED program,” Quinn said. “We’re really looking forward to seeing the improvements in the jail.”
Quinn described the site as an important waterfront tourism asset for SDG and Cornwall. He also added a personal note about the attraction’s popularity with his family. “My son has been begging to come here every summer,” Quinn said. “We’re definitely going to get in with these improvements.”
SDG Warden François Landry said preserving the jail remains important to the region’s identity and tourism economy. “This site remains an important part of our history and identity as SDG Counties,” Landry said. He added that investments were made “to preserve the jail as a tourist destination for all” and noted the addition of a jail coordinator position to support operations and programming.
“This investment will help strengthen tourism, expand opportunities, and continue sharing the unique history of SDG Counties for generations to come,” Landry said.
L’article Historic SDG Jail aims to capture more tourists this summer est apparu en premier sur Cornwall Seaway News.
