US EditionOntario planning massive jail expansion, internal government documents show
The plan would add 6,000 beds in three phases as overcrowding persists, with jails operating at 130% capacity, Global News reported.
- On Tuesday, documents revealed Ontario plans to add nearly 6,000 jail beds by 2050, marking an unprecedented expansion to address severe overcrowding in provincial facilities.
- Jails are currently operating at 130 per cent capacity, a marked jump from 2023, as The Ministry cites court backlogs, bail reform, and population growth as primary drivers.
- Phase 1 includes 1,170 new beds by 2032 at $4 billion cost, though only $2.9 billion is approved; researcher Justin Pich estimates the entire project will cost at least $7 billion.
- Solicitor General Michael Kerzner defended the initiative Monday, saying "We've got an aggressive plan," while Pich contends "imprisonment is the most costly and ineffective way to enhance community well-being and safety."
- Phase 2 will deliver 1,500 beds by 2041, with Phase 3 adding 2,000-3,000 beds by 2050; the Coalition Against Proposed Prisons vows to support residents fighting the expansion.
24 Articles
24 Articles
An additional 6000 prison places are planned for 2050.
Ontario plans to add 6,000 jail beds by 2050 due to overcrowding concerns: FOI documents
The province's jails are bursting and have been significantly over capacity for years, with the situation worsening. Ontario plans to add nearly 6,000 jail beds by 2050, according to FOI documents obtained by University of Ottawa researchers.
Ontario plans massive jail expansion, government documents show
Ontario is planning a massive expansion of jails over the next few decades, The Canadian Press has learned. The province's jails are bursting and have been significantly over capacity for years, with the situation worsening. Ontario plans to add nearly 6,000 jail beds by 2050, documents obtained by University of Ottawa researchers through freedom-of-information laws show. The plan is broken down into three phases, with the first phase underway, …
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