Ontario plans a massive expansion of jails over the next few decades.
The province’s jails have been significantly over capacity for years, with the situation only worsening.
Documents obtained by University of Ottawa researchers show that Ontario plans to add nearly 6,000 jail beds by 2050.
The transition binder created for Solicitor General Michael Kerzner last year says the plan is broken down into three phases with the first one underway.
The first phase of the province’s plan includes more than 1,100 beds, while Phase 2 will deliver an estimated 1,500 beds at six sites between 2033 and 2041.
Phase 3 will see another 2,000 – 3,000 jail beds built between 2040 and 2050.
Criminology professor Justin Piche says it is an unprecedented expansion that will cost taxpayers billions of dollars.
Kerzner says the province will build as many jails as it needs.
There have been no specifics as to whether the Quinte Detention Centre in Napanee will be slated for renovation/expansion.
CONTRIBUTIONS BY THE CANADIAN PRESS
