SD&G – The number of tourists heading through the Historic SD&G Jail was more or less flat this year compared to 2017.
In a year end report to county council Monday, SD&G Tourism Coordinator Nick Seguin said the jail had “over 900 visitors” this year.
The county reopened the attraction in 2017, where “close to 1,000 visitors” came through the front doors.
Those numbers don’t include people going to the escape room, which was run by a third-party company called Escape Manor. Seguin told council he is hopeful the company will sign on again next year.
He said the escape room is “not a huge financial” effect on the operation.
Seguin said the four summer students working at the jail this year, which is attached to the county administration building on Pitt Street, were “invaluable.”
He said the department has plans for special events next year in the courtyard.
The county had budgeted $19,000 this year to run the jail and planned to bring in about $27,000 through revenue and special events. Gate fees were $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and students, and $25 for a family of four.
The jail, built in 1833 on the site of an army barracks used during the War of 1812, operated until 2002 when it ceased operating as a provincial jail.