Is Thunder Bay any closer to getting a new Correctional Complex?
That question was was raised Thursday as Solicitor General Sylvia Jones announced the successful bidder to construct temporary additions in Thunder Bay and Kenora.
The Solicitor General indicated that talks continue, which includes putting out the request for qualification to construct the new facility that’ll replace both the Correctional Centre and District Jail.
“We are working with Infrastructure Ontario on that piece,” Jones said. “As the bids are prepared and reviewed, then we will have a much better timeline in terms of when we can expect the build and the eventual opening.”
The plan was perhaps first teased by then Thunder Bay MPP Bill Mauro, who unveiled that money was approved to start work on a 325-bed multi-purpose correctional centre.
The request was put out on March 29, 2018
Outbreak Inquiry
There were also questions raised to the Solicitor General about the province calling an inquiry into the COVID-19 outbreaks at both the Jail and Correctional Centre.
Jones wouldn’t commit one way or another but did give praise to local officials for their work during the tough times.
“We worked with the municipality and the public health unit to ensure that released inmates had protection for the ability to self-isolate, whether they were staying in Thunder Bay or going back to their home communities,” Jones indicated.
You can listen to the Solicitor General’s comments below
