EVES GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES NEW SITE FOR
YOUNG OFFENDER FACILITY IN EASTERN ONTARIO

KEMPTVILLE – A new 64-bed secure custody facility for young offenders will be built in Kemptville, located within the Municipality of North Grenville, Minister of Public Safety and Security Bob Runciman announced today.

“This is good news for eastern Ontario as the construction of this facility will create new jobs and provide significant economic benefits at all stages of development,” said Runciman.

The facility will be located on government-owned land north of the current municipal office of the Municipality of North Grenville. A Request for Proposals and plans for the construction and operation of the facility are in the final stages of development. The ministry plans to tender the project shortly. While the exact number of staff will be determined through the tendering process, it is anticipated that a facility of this size will have approximately 85 employees. As part of the planning process, the ministry will schedule a public consultation session with the local community.

“The Municipality of North Grenville is extremely pleased that Minister Runciman and the Province of Ontario has entrusted this community as the site of this new facility,” said North Grenville Mayor Bruce E. Harrison. “It speaks volumes to our strengths and assets as a municipality and our continued economic growth and diversity.”

Eastern Ontario was identified as a location for one of the province’s new young offender facilities in May 2000 as part of the ministry’s restructuring program to create a dedicated young offender system.

“This facility is another step towards a dedicated youth correctional system that addresses the unique needs of young offenders,” said Runciman. “It will be managed to meet our tough performance and operating standards and will have strict discipline programs to help youth become law-abiding citizens.”

Under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the Ministry of Public Safety and Security is responsible for providing custodial and community supervision for young persons charged with or convicted of criminal or provincial offences.

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Contacts:

Julia Noonan Communications Branch
(416) 314-7042 Meaghan McFedries
Minister’s Office
(416) 325-0867
For more information visit www.mpss.jus.gov.on.ca