Thunder Bay District Jail THUNDER BAY – Kiiwetinoong MPP Sol Mamakwa is once again urging Ontario to shut down the old Thunder Bay District Jail for good, arguing that the facility has consistently let down inmates, their families, staff, and Indigenous communities. This renewed plea follows the inquest into the 2020 death of Kevin Mamakwa, a 27-year-old from Kingfisher Lake First Nation, which wrapped up this week in Thunder Bay. Kevin passed away on June 2, 2020, while he was in custody at the jail. Nishnawbe Aski Nation Grand Chief Alvin Fiddler is also backing the Mamakwa family’s demand for permanent closure of the jail. NAN mentioned that during the inquest evidence was presented regarding limited access to suitable care for those dealing with addictions and about conditions within the century-old facility.
Ongoing Concerns About Overcrowding and Care
The Thunder Bay District Jail has faced ongoing criticism from Indigenous leaders, human rights advocates, and families mourning loved ones lost while in custody.NAN indicated that in 2020, the Auditor General identified this facility as the second most overcrowded jail in Ontario, exceeding its capacity by far. This echoes earlier warnings from former Ontario Human Rights Commission chief commissioner Renu Mandhane, who described conditions there as dehumanizing and urged action on overcrowding issues along with better mental health supports for Indigenous inmates. People who have spent time at Thunder Bay District Jail report to Net News Ledger that conditions are well below acceptable standards. Violence between inmates is a serious concern along with incidents of sexual assault. For residents of Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario, this issue extends beyond just one building. The city’s correctional facilities accommodate individuals from across the region including many from remote northern First Nations. Families often deal with long travel distances, high expenses as well as language or cultural hurdles when trying to support relatives behind bars.
New Correctional Complex Sparks Ongoing Debate
Ontario is currently working on constructing a new Thunder Bay Correctional Complex-a $1.2-billion project being managed through Infrastructure Ontario alongside the Ministry of the Solicitor General. Infrastructure Ontario claims this new complex will feature a 345-bed multi-purpose correctional facility aimed at enhancing health care services, safety measures, security protocols as well as living conditions and educational opportunities. However, discussions surrounding what will happen to the current jail remain unresolved. Recent provincial plans suggest that while construction on the new Thunder Bay facility is set for completion by 2027 both it and existing correctional centers may stay open as part of broader efforts to expand corrections capacity across Ontario. This position has attracted criticism from Mamakwa along with NAN and members of his family who argue keeping the old jail operational would prolong harm caused by a facility they believe should be shut down entirely. The province maintains that addressing correctional capacity remains an urgent issue. Counsel representing the Ministry of Solicitor General informed those present at the inquest closing down old facilities post-new construction might worsen overcrowding issues while limiting flexibility when housing inmates.Impact on Indigenous Communities
The conversation around Thunder Bay District Jail highlights a larger justice crisis affecting Indigenous peoples throughout Northern Ontario. Many individuals held in provincial custody are awaiting trial or resolution of charges meaning they haven’t yet been convicted.For remote First Nations incarceration in Thunder Bay can create distance between individuals and their families community Elders language connections as well land-based support systems which are vital especially when dealing with trauma addiction mental health challenges or unstable housing situations. Mamakwa’s push for closure reflects a desire for change-more treatment options culturally relevant supports mental health resources affordable housing alternatives bail remand options plus community-centered justice responses. NAN has similarly urged Ontario leaders invest funds toward mental health services treatment centers instead relying mostly upon additional prison beds alone.
A Historical Overview
The concerns regarding overcrowding along with living conditions at Thunder Bay District Jail have persisted over many years now; initial announcements made back in 2017 revealed intentions replace aging correctional infrastructure within this area followed by awarding contracts towards building projects like these happened only last year (2022). Completion date aims fall sometime during fall season next year (2026).This latest call comes six years following Kevin’s untimely passing while advocates continue pressing accountability measures aimed preventing further tragedies like his case occurring again.
The public verdict recommendations stemming from recent inquiries should eventually appear through coroner’s process; findings were officially concluded June 11th.
Anyone needing emotional assistance may reach out directly via NAN Hope at number listed here: 1-844-NAN-HOPE.
META: Sol Mamakwa renews call to permanently close Thunder Bay District Jail after inquest.
TAGS: Sol Mamakwa , Thunder Bay District Jail , Kevin Mamakwa , Nishnawbe Aski Nation , Alvin Fiddler , Thunder Bay , Northwestern Ontario , Indigenous justice , Ontario corrections , Kingfisher Lake First Nation
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