As part of Ontario's modernization of the adult correctional systems across Eastern Ontario, the Ontario government is investing in public safety and strengthening justice services in Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Island and Rideau Lakes.
An article in Lake 88 Local News, states that the new construction and building upgrades would include the following:
- New correctional complex in North Grenville
- Replacing the Brockville Jail
- Expanding the St. Lawrence Valley Correctional and Treatment Centre
- Modernize facilities
- Address issues of overcrowding
- Create new spaces for the delivery of mental health services, inmate programming and staff training
The announcement was made in Brockville by Premier Doug Ford, Solicitor General Sylvia Jones and Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark.
"These critical investments demonstrate our government's ongoing commitment to our incredible frontline corrections workers, while also providing an important boost to our local economy. I am so proud today's announcement includes expanding the St. Lawrence Valley Correctional and Treatment Centre to provide treatment for female inmates with serious mental health needs."
Member of Provincial Parliament | Steve Clark
The modernization strategy for Ontario's Eastern Region includes:
- Building a new Greater Ottawa Correctional Complex on an existing government-owned site in Kemptville to improve staff and inmate safety.
- Replacing the Brockville Jail, which is currently the oldest in the province, (built in 1842) with a new facility that will increase capacity and improve access to services and programming in the area.
- Expanding the St. Lawrence Valley Correctional and Treatment Centre and Quinte Detention Centre to improve mental health services for female inmates and add capacity.
- Renovate the Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre to better accommodate programming for inmates and other initiatives.
The government plans to invest $500 million over five years to modernize correctional facilities across the province including hiring more than 500 new corrections staff. It will also create jobs that will help stimulate the economy over the long term as Ontario moves into the next phase of recovery from COVID-19.
According to CBC News, officials in North Grenville Township are looking for answers to help quell residents' fear about a proposed provincial correctional complex planned for Kemptville Ontario.
Despite the favourable reaction from local businesses, people in the community are worried and have safety concerns. The project will begin this fall. The community will be well represented and will hopefully get their questions answered.
Included in the Ford government's plan to modernize the corrections system, is a plan to replace the existing Brockville Jail and to construct a new correctional complex on the government owned land in Kemptville.
Deron Johnston, the executive director of the Old Town Kemptville Business Improvement Area stated that 70 per cent of the community's workforce travels outside the region to get to their jobs. The new correctional complex would create a lot of high paying jobs right in the community.
Per Ottawa CTV News, The Greater Ottawa Correctional Complex in Kemptville will adopt modern planning principles and design elements in addition to the following:
- Single cell occupancy
- Risk-Classified housing units
- Modern programming
- Improved professional development
According to an article in North Grenville News, the location for the new Greater Ottawa Correctional Complex will be on the "farm-side" lands by the Kemptville Campus which are 182 acres in total. These lands have long been owned by the province.
Large projects such as this must go through a long and thorough consultation process before they become a reality. This will include public engagement.
DataBid is currently reporting on this project - IO/MC SC S Correctional Complex - DBFM (0094022018)
