The Peel County Jail

... architecturally and historically significant

Landmarks since 1867, the former Peel County Courthouse and Jail are situated on land which gently rises from Highway 10 and once fronted the Etobicoke Creek.

Recognized as a provincial heritage structure, the Courthouse marked the home of the County government for 100 years and still provides meeting and office space.

Imposing limestone walls and barred windows distinguish the former County Jail. Last used as a jail in 1977, the building sat vacant until renovated in 1985. Once described as a "brooding hulk", it is now filled with colourful exhibitions and activities.

The jail, transformed into the Peel Heritage Complex

The Peel County Jail

The Peel County Jail opened in 1867, and served that purpose for 110 years.

Why was a jail built here?

Brampton became the county capital or "seat" of Peel County in April 1865, and construction of a courthouse and jail began the next year. The building cost approximately $25,000.

What kind of prisoners were kept here?

A total of 24 prisoners were incarcerated in 1867 for crimes such as assault, child desertion, larceny, maliciously breaking windows, stabbing, threatening to abuse and burn, and being a dangerous lunatic. Over the years, other crimes committed included concealing the birth of a child, manslaughter, rape, and running a gaming house.

Were there any executions?

Three hangings occurred in the jail between 1909 and 1946. Stefan Swyryda was found guilty in 1908 of murdering a young Polish man, and was executed the following year. In 1941 Gordon Ross Matthew was hanged for the murder of his wife, and five years later Walter Zabolotny met his death for the murder of Mrs. Alice M. Campbell.

Where did the hangings take place?

The first execution took place on a scaffold erected outside the jail; subsequent hangings occurred inside the jail proper, where a trap door (removed during the renovations) was used.

What was it like to live here?

The jail was built at a time when incarceration was punishment, not an opportunity for rehabilitation. Narrow single cells provided solitary confinement for most prisoners; the cell on display is in fact a double cell and could have housed up to four inmates.

Exercise in the 19th century was provided for some by breaking stone in the exercise yard and replaced in the 20th century by ropes and exercise equipment on the third floor. Prisoners were allowed out of their cells to play cards, and in later years, to watch television.

A large kitchen, where the Archives' reference library is now located, served up hot meals three times a day. Breakfast in the 1930s, for example, consisted of either oatmeal or cracked wheat.

The jail was home to a secession of jailers and their families who lived in comfortable living quarters. J.W. Mitchell, who retired in 1961, said the apartment was "roomy and attractive" but added "we never had the feeling of getting away from work".

How did it get to be a museum?

The jail sat empty until 1985 when the Region of Peel began transforming it into the first component of the Peel Heritage Complex. Walls between cells on the second floor were removed to accommodate exhibit areas. Outside, the guard tower and baseball diamond were replaced by a parking lot and the enclosed Museum storage area. Only the jail gallery was left relatively untouched.

Any ghosts?

Prior to construction an extensive search for bodies was conducted in the area just east of the jail proper. Only one body - believed to be that of Stefan Swyryda - was found, and was reinterred in the Meadowvale Cemetery, Mississauga, Ontario. The excavated area now serves as part of the Archives storage facility. As for ghosts, staff report a complete lack of supernatural visits!