jail – Transcribimus

Four Prisoners Break Out – Oct 19, 1896

By 1896

Four prisoners escaped from the city lock up, which was said to be “most insecure, badly constructed”. Prisoners apparently used a saw to cut their way out during “boisterous” Salvation Army services when the noise would not be noticed. Two or three “paupers” boarding at the jail (!) were blamed for not alerting the guards that the prisoners were planning an escape.

Council empowered to borrow $100,000 – March 5, 1894

By 1894

Council completed a by-law allowing the City to borrow $100,000 against the current year’s anticipated income. The Provincial Jail in New Westminster charged $462 for board of Vancouver prisoners. The Finance Committee allowed the City Band $480 for the current year.

G.A. Jordan new Police Magistrate – November 30 1891

By 1891

G.A. Jordan elected Police Magistrate. Matron “not to admit D.T. patients*” to the city jail. City scavengers must dump all watery matter into manholes using proper chutes from the carts…

Vancouver has no money for improvements – June 7, 1886

By 1886

Communication received from Dr. McGuigan re: Voter’s List, no action taken. City of Vancouver charged 50 cents per day board for each City prisoner held in the provincial Jail. City unable to pay at this point, but asks that accounts be kept so they can pay in future. Royal City Planing Mills allowed to lay water pipe as requested, though City will have option to acquire it in future as part of civic water works. David Oppenheimer’s letter of May 23 replied to “on account of the want of funds the city is unable to undertake any general improvements.”