The province is revealing no timelines, budget, or location on their commitment to build a new, modern correctional complex for Thunder Bay.
However, the government is reconfirming its commitment to build a new correctional facility.
Infrastructure Minister Monte McNaughton says it will be funded by the province and private industry.
McNaughton says they are “going through the procurement process right now and we hope to do the RFP in the fall and get shovels in the ground quickly as possible.”
The Jail and Correctional Centre will be combined to create one, 325-bed facility.
A correctional officer and union official Michael Lundy says he feels good after hearing the province commit to the project but does want to speak with the Ministers involved about the number of beds.
Thunder Bay Mayor Bill Mauro says he is grateful for the announcement and says his tour of the almost 100-year-old building left a mark on him, comparing it to a time machine.
A riot broke out at the jail in December of 2015 causing officials to speak out about the poor conditions in the facility.
