The Ontario government says the Quinte Detention Centre will play a role in a major provincewide correctional expansion aimed at keeping more violent and repeat offenders behind bars.
As part of a $3-billion investment announced last week, Ontario plans to add more than 2,500 permanent jail beds over the next decade. The province said the expansion is tied to tougher bail measures and increasing pressure on correctional facilities.
The Quinte Detention Centre expansion project in Napanee will add 91 beds to the institution, adding 25 more beds than previously announced.
The province said new capacity will also come from rapid-build inmate housing structures, modular construction projects and expansions at existing facilities across Ontario.
Ontario is also hiring more than 700 new correctional staff, including officers, nurses and support workers.
Solicitor General Michael Kerzner said the investments are meant to ensure there is enough space in Ontario’s correctional system to hold offenders accountable and improve public safety across the province.
