Locked away in the northern reaches of Montreal Island, Établissement de détention de Montréal, better known as Bordeaux Prison, holds a dark and fascinating history. This imposing structure, completed in 1912, replaced the antiquated Pied-du-Courant Prison. Bordeaux Prison was designed by architect Jean-Omer Marchand. It was intended to be a state-of-the-art facility, reflecting the then-popular Pennsylvania system of prison design. This system emphasized solitary confinement, believing isolation would lead to repentance. However, the authorities ultimately decided to implement the Auburn system, which combined solitary confinement at night with communal work during the day. This blend created a unique system within Bordeaux Prison’s imposing, star-shaped walls. Établissement de détention de Montréal, with its central tower and six radiating wings, housed a maximum capacity of 1,357 inmates. The dome of the central tower, reaching 150 feet above the ground, held a Catholic chapel. The design, with its thick-walled cells, solid iron doors, and large exterior windows, speaks to a different era of correctional philosophy.
Établissement de détention de Montréal has seen its share of turmoil. Eighty-two executions by hanging were carried out within its walls until 1962. Riots, often fueled by overcrowding and difficult conditions, have punctuated its history. The largest riot occurred in 1992, engulfing four of the six wings. Inmates gained control of large sections of the prison, setting fires and causing significant damage before authorities regained control. This riot led to significant renovations, particularly in wings D and B, where modern technology was implemented to enhance security and control.
The history of Établissement de détention de Montréal isn’t just about confinement and chaos. It also reflects the evolution of correctional practices in Quebec. The original cells, considered luxurious for their time with flushing toilets and electricity, stand in stark contrast to the modernized wings with their surveillance cameras and electronic controls. The prison has served as a backdrop for societal shifts in how we approach crime and punishment, moving from solitary confinement towards rehabilitation and reintegration. Even the COVID-19 pandemic left its mark on Bordeaux Prison, with outbreaks and quarantines adding another layer to its complex story. Today, Établissement de détention de Montréal stands as a testament to a complicated past, a place where architecture and history intertwine, reminding us of the ever-evolving nature of justice and confinement.