The Thunder Bay District Jail is being evacuated as repairs to the ability’s heating system are accomplished.
“Resulting from an surprising mechanical failure within the jail’s heating system, we’ve got taken quick motion to maneuver all inmates to alternate safe services the place they are going to be held till regular operations at Thunder Bay Jail resume,” the Ministry of the Solicitor Basic confirmed on Wednesday.
No timeline for repairs was offered.
Anthony Rojik, a corrections officer on the jail and president of Ontario Public Service Staff Union Native 737, stated the heating system failure occurred on Monday.
“Proper now, we’re engaged on our electrical backups,” he stated. “We do not need to rely solely on one system for full inmate security, so we’re evacuating the inhabitants for their very own security.”
Rojik stated the evacuation will probably take a number of days to finish.
He stated there are challenges resulting from the truth that all correctional establishments in Ontario are overcrowded.
“We’re placing that additional pressure on different establishments,” Rojik stated. “That is the one problem we’re really working into at this level.”
Rojik stated the union is working with stakeholders, together with the province and contractors, “to give you an answer to the issue and get the issue mounted as shortly as doable.”
The Thunder Bay District Jail shall be 100 years outdated in 2026. Development on the brand new Thunder Bay Correctional Complicated, which can substitute the jail and the Thunder Bay Correctional Centre, is presently underway.
The $1.2-billion complicated is predicted to open in November 2026.
