The Ontario government is giving the green light to the construction of a new correctional complex in Thunder Bay, the cost of which is set at $ 1.2 billion.
A few days before the provincial election call, the Ford government confirmed the implementation of the project, which was first promised by Kathleen Wynne’s Liberal government.
The new 345-bed facility will replace the current Thunder Bay Correctional Center and District Jail.
In a statement, the Ministry of Solicitor General said the company EllisDon Infrastructure Justice was awarded the contract to design, finance, build, and maintain the project.
Construction of the new complex is scheduled to begin this fall and end in the fall of 2026.
The county also announced $ 96 million for expansion projects at the Thunder Bay Correctional Center and the Kenora Jail.
Up to $ 5 million is also being allocated for a new Northern Posting Incentive Pilot Program (YAWS), which aims to attract and retain staff for correctional services.
Solicitor General Sylvia Jones said in a statement that the investments will create and support hundreds of jobs in Thunder Bay, Kenora and surrounding areas.
We are taking great steps in developing a modern correctional system capable of ensuring public safety, meeting the care and program needs of inmates, and maintaining a healthy and resourceful work environment.he says.
The province indicates that the company Bird Building to begin expansion projects at Thunder Bay Correctional Center and Kenora Jail in late summer.
This work will make it possible to add beds to alleviate capacity problems and create space for programs that promote social reintegration.
New Thunder Bay Correctional Complex and Extensions Will Mean Significant Improvements to Staff and Inmate Health and Safetysaid in the same press release, Chad Oldfield, co-chair of the Employee-Employer Relations Committee for the Ministry for Correctional Services.
A long and heavy past
In the past, surprising revelations have been made about conditions at Northwestern Ontario correctional facilities.
Thunder Bay Jail is nearly a century old, opening in 1928.
It was built by the Thunder Bay Correctional Center in 1965, but the original building, which served as the prison farm, opened in 1911.
According to the province, front-line staff and Indigenous leaders will participate in design discussions for the Thunder Bay Correctional Complex.
The new correctional complex will be built right next to the current center.
Source: Radio-Canada