On Monday, June 16, Glengarry-Prescott-Russell Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP) Stéphane Sarrazin and L’Orignal Old Jail volunteers announced that the jail had received funds from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to support ongoing projects.
The $14,900 grant was used to purchase additional stage decks and a defibrillator. It also funded the replacement of the roof and walls of the event tent. The upgrades will be used to support the site’s growing role as a community venue, tourist attraction, and educational hub.
Funding has been essential to maintaining activities at the historic site and providing educational opportunities for guests, with most on-site staff being volunteers.
L’Orignal Old Jail Coordinator Emma Calvert explained, “This grant allowed us to upgrade our event space with essential infrastructure and safety features. The jail is now better equipped to host events and celebrations.”
Sarrazin said, “This investment not only promotes local tourism but has also preserved the history of our villages.”
“We always need people like you because you keep our heritage alive,” Sarrazin told volunteers. “We don’t ever want to forget the history of the town and the region.”
L’Orignal Old Jail is celebrating its 200th anniversary on September 28, 2025, at 7 p.m. with a commemorative ceremony. Interested individuals are encouraged to save the date and follow future updates at: https://www.lorignalprison.com.
Photos by Philip Oddi:
