THUNDER BAY - Despite a date being set for a request for proposal for the new Thunder Bay Correctional Complex, NDP MPP Judith Monteith-Farrell says lengthy delays on construction should still be expected.
“I’m relieved to see that a date has finally been put on,” Monteith-Farrell said, referring to an update report recently posted by Infrastructure Ontario.
The report has placed ‘Winter 2021’ as the date to issue a request for proposal for the Thunder Bay Correctional Complex.
The previous Ontario government announced in April 2019 to replace the overcrowded district jail with a new 325-bed facility. The project has an estimated price tag of $200 million to $499 million.
Despite the updated timeline for a proposal, Monteith-Farrell says realistically the project is still going to be delayed for at least another two years.
“It’s not going to be happening tomorrow and I think we need urgent action on our jail and maybe even have those folks relocated somewhere else because it’s just very dangerous in that jail,” she said.
The district jail has been commonly referred to by politicians as an ancient facility constantly experiencing issues with overcrowding.
Such conditions have increased violence among inmates and making it more overwhelming for staff.
“This announcement although we want to be optimistic, it's not 'shovels in the ground',” Monteith-Farrell said. “This is requesting a proposal…it’s a very long process and we know from other projects. A date is better than no date but it’s still a long way down the road.”
The MPP adds the current conditions at the district jail are unacceptable for both staff and inmates.
“It’s critical that we have a new jail,” she said. “There is overcrowding which is a danger for both inmates and obviously the correctional officers as well.”
