Join us in our campaign to “Save the Last Provincial Gaol Building” of the original complex as we near the 100th Anniversary of the "Alberta Provincial Gaol" in Fort Saskatchewan   Sign our on-line petition!

2014 will mark 100 years since the “Alberta Provincial Gaol” opened its doors in 1914. It replaced the 34-cell guard house that had been used to hold prisoners during the 40 year period of the NWMP.  For the next 74 years the “Alberta Provincial Gaol” played a major role in Fort Saskatchewan and Alberta’s history.  In 1988 the original Gaol (jail) closed and the new Provincial Gaol on 101st St. opened. Since then all but the Warden’s House and the last operational building, the Facility Workshop, have been demolished.

Today many in the community regret the demolition of these buildings.  Regardless of this, previous City Council voted to destroy this last institutional building. There still is an opportunity for the citizens of Fort Saskatchewan to come together to save this last remaining artifact of the original Gaol.

With vision this building can be saved, refurbished and its 10,000 plus square feet put to great use by representing the longest period of Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta’s “Centre for Justice” history. The exterior of the building could be enhanced to reflect the appearance of the original Gaol entrance (see image bottom right).  The building would provide much needed space within the Museum and Historic Precinct and be unique to western Canada as a representation of Alberta’s Gaol History.

The Alberta Provincial Culture Department (Archaeology and Heritage Divisions) and two eminent Alberta historians from Edmonton,  echo the message.  “This building and its location are very significant to our area from a historical perspective.  As this building sits in the original NWMP Fort envelope it is doubly significant."