Ontario is set to undergo a substantial expansion of its prison system in the coming years, according to information obtained by The Canadian Press. The province’s prisons have been consistently overcrowded, prompting the need for action. Documents obtained through freedom-of-information laws reveal that Ontario plans to increase its jail capacity by nearly 6,000 beds by 2050.
The expansion plan is divided into three phases, with the first phase already in progress, as outlined in a transition binder prepared for Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. The documents highlight the pressing capacity challenges faced by Ontario’s jails, with approximately 2,000 more inmates than available beds – equivalent to the capacity of five large jails.
Various factors have contributed to the overcrowding issue, including court backlogs, extended periods of custody, bail reform, and population growth. The province’s initial phase aims to add 1,170 new beds by 2032 at a cost of $4 billion, although only $2.9 billion has been approved so far. Projects in this phase include the construction of the Thunder Bay Correctional Complex and upgrades to jails in Brockville, Kemptville, and Napanee, along with modular builds in Niagara, Milton, and Sudbury.
Future phases will see the addition of more beds, with an estimated total of 6,000 new beds planned by 2050. The Ministry of the Solicitor General has emphasized the necessity of these expansions to alleviate current overcrowding issues in correctional facilities.
Solicitor General Kerzner expressed the government’s commitment to building the required infrastructure to ensure public safety. The proposed plan includes expanding modular jail facilities to accommodate more inmates and considering the reopening of jails in Brantford and Walkerton. The documents indicate that as of February 2025, the current jail capacity stands at 8,508 beds, with plans to increase capacity by 66%.
The expansion initiative has raised concerns among researchers and community advocates. Mackenzie Plumb, a criminology PhD candidate at the University of Ottawa, described the planned increase in jail capacity as unprecedented and costly. The estimated cost of building 6,000 new beds is projected to be around $7 billion, with operational expenses expected to rise significantly.
Critics of the expansion plan, including Victor Lachance of the Coalition Against Proposed Prisons, argue that investing in prison infrastructure is not the most effective approach to enhancing community well-being and safety. They advocate for alternative solutions and increased transparency in the government’s decision-making process regarding jail expansion.
Overcrowding in Ontario’s jails has been a long-standing issue, with data indicating that facilities have been operating well above capacity in recent years. The overcrowding has had adverse effects on both inmates and correctional officers, leading to increased violence, mental health challenges, and delays in legal proceedings.
Recent reports show that Ontario’s jails are currently operating at 130% capacity, with specific institutions, such as the Sudbury Jail, exceeding capacity levels significantly. The ongoing expansion plans aim to address these pressing concerns and provide a sustainable solution to the overcrowding problem.