Bruce County has lost the fight to save the Walkerton Jail — but it’s starting a new fight over pieces of the jails history.
When the province closed the Walkerton Jail, it took with it more than just local jobs.
Bruce County Warden David Inglis says the province also took some important Bruce County prison artifacts.
Inglis says historical items such as log books, 19th century prison uniforms, hats and handcuffs have all been removed by the province.
Inglis notes the County is the rightful owner of these artifacts since the 150 year old jail was originally a County facility.
He notes the Walkerton Jail first belonged to Bruce County, long before it became a provincial institution.
Bruce County has now sent a letter to the Minister of Corrections — asking for the return of the items.
Inglis hopes the letter will be enough — unfortunately he says verbal requests to the province for the return of the items have fallen on deaf ears.
Inglis says these are artifacts of historical importance for Bruce County — and as such belong in the Bruce County Museum and Archives.
The province closed the Walkerton Jail in December.
