A bright year of celebration began on Friday, January 3 when new floodlights illuminating the exterior of the L’Orignal Old Jail and courthouse were switched on.
The historic jail, and attached courthouse is celebrating its 200th anniversary in 2025. The jail, which operated from 1825 to 1998, is now a museum, and the adjacent courthouse is still in operation. The L’Orignal Old Jail is the oldest jail in Ontario. The year 2025 is also the 175th anniversary of the United Counties of Prescott and Russell (UCPR), and the anniversary is being observed in 2025 in conjunction with the anniversary of the jail and courthouse. Additionally, 2024 was also the 350th anniversary of the founding of what began as the French colonial Seigneurie de la Pointe-à-L’Orignac in 1674. Joseph Le Moyne de Longueuil became the Seigneur in 1778 and the seigneurie was named after him in 1798. The rural part of the seigneury eventually became Longueuil Township, which is now part of Champlain Township.
The L’Orignal Old Jail was designated a heritage site in June 2007. The stone building is designed in a typical Georgian style and includes a symmetrical rectangular shape, exterior cut stone, and a small dome in the centre. The additional projection lighting, carefully placed so as not to disturb the site’s aesthetic qualities, will emphasize its prominence in the community and contribute to the overall beautification of the area.
“The year 2025 is a significant one in the heritage of the area and region,” said UCPR Warden Yves Laviolette, who officially led the countdown to the new floodlights being switched on.
Champlain Township Mayor Normand Riopel said the rich history of the jail and courthouse are examples of preserving justice and local heritage.
“We will continue to celebrate our history and heritage together,” Riopel said in reference to the year of celebrations.
Champlain council approved the illumination project in October, 2024.
“L’Orignal is going to be very festive,” said Patrimoine L’Orignal-Longueuil Heritage President Louise Bédard about the year of events which are planned.
Those events will be regularly shared on the L’Orignal website https://lorignal.com, the Old Jail website https://www.lorignalprison.com, on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/lorignalprison, and in future editions of The Review.
Photos: James Morgan
