of 1869-70. One of the members of that force, Samuel Lawrence Bedson (1842-91), did not return east following the Rebellion, but went on to become the first Warden of the new Penitentiary.

The site's isolated location and lack of available building materials proved a challenge to the construction process. Stone for the windowsills and the corners was quarried at Lower Fort Garry, dressed and hauled overland during the winter. Timber was freighted from Ontario.