The Ontario government has announced plans to reopen the jail in Brantford, which could add 125 beds to a correctional system that’s under pressure.
Solicitor General Michael Kerzner shared the news on Thursday morning in Brantford.
Kerzner indicated that the government will invest over $3 billion to build, expand, and modernize the correctional facilities while adding more than 2,500 new beds throughout the province over the next decade.
He mentioned that overcrowding issues are arising due to previous decisions by the Liberal government that led to closures of jails like Brantford’s.
“They took over 20 per cent of the system’s capacity offline, all while Ontario’s population continued to grow and the results were predictable. They were a disaster,” Kerzner said.
The Brantford jail dates back to the 1850s and is located in downtown on the same grounds as the city’s courthouse.
This facility was closed in December 2017 primarily due to increasing maintenance and operating expenses.
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This image shows part of the exterior of the Brantford jail, which was closed by the province in 2017. (CBC)
Kerzner stated that reopening it could provide an additional 125 spaces within the system.
“This means more capacity to keep dangerous offenders off our streets, strengthen public safety across southwestern Ontario, and support our broader plan to build a stronger correctional system.”
Kerzner noted that efforts are “actively building more capacity” in other areas including Toronto, Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Quinte West, Milton, Brockville and other communities.
Brantford Police Services Chief Jason Saunders expressed gratitude towards the province for looking into reopening the Brantford jail’s feasibility.
“Policing is only one part of the justice system. A strong justice system relies on every partner fulfilling their role, from law enforcement to the Crown, attorneys to the courts and corrections. Having adequate correctional capacity is an important step in maintaining public safety,” he told reporters at a news conference.
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Why violence in Ontario jails is risingRates of violence across Ontario are rising according to data shared with by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU).
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Why violence in Ontario jails is risingRates of violence across Ontario are rising according to data shared with by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU).Previous reports suggested that Brantford jail might open its doors again by 2028.
Kerzner didn’t confirm this timeline but said they have completed a feasibility study and are now moving ahead. This includes his office collaborating with Infrastructure Ontario for planning and designing what needs doing.
The exact cost for reopening remains uncertain at this point.
“That’s still being calculated but I can tell you this; it’s going to be a lot cheaper reopening a jail that’s here than starting from square one.”
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