Modernizing the System

Decommissioning Older Facilities

In 1996, Ontario launched the Infrastructure Renewal Program to transform the province's aging correctional system into one that is safe, secure, efficient, effective and accountable.

This initiative involves expanding, retrofitting and building new correctional facilities, as well as decommissioning older, less efficient facilities.

The decision to decommission certain facilities is based on a number of considerations, such as:

• age and general condition of the facility;
• relative size of the facilities and surrounding property; and
• costs associated with making additions or alterations.

When the Infrastructure Renewal Program was announced, the ministry had 45 institutions in its correctional system. Over the past five years, 31 adult facilities have been identified for decommissioning. Facility decommissioning involves extensive transition planning that ensures:

• timely and efficient transfer of inmates, programs, services and assets;
• staff continuity;
• minimal disruption to the police and courts; and
• continuing safety and security of the institution and transfer operations.

The following institutions have been decommissioned since the Infrastructure Renewal Program began.

The following institutions are also identified for decommissioning. The actual dates of decommissioning are to be determined.