Ontario Increasing Capacity at Quinte Detention Centre

The Ontario government has issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to expand capacity at the Quinte Detention Centre, marking an important milestone in the province’s plan to increase jail capacity and modernize Ontario’s adult correctional system. This expansion will increase the capacity at the facility by over 23 per cent to help meet the care and programming needs of those in custody while ensuring a safe environment for frontline corrections staff.

“Our government continues to enhance our adult correctional system by increasing capacity and providing the tools and resources needed to support this essential pillar of our justice system,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “We are absolutely committed to keeping dangerous criminals off our streets and behind bars where they belong. We remain dedicated to protecting Ontario communities.”

As part of an expansion to support capacity in the Eastern Region, the Quinte Detention Centre in Napanee will be expanded to add 66 new beds for female offenders and more programming space, bringing the institution’s capacity to over 300 beds.

“Thanks to the leadership of Premier Ford, our government is making progress to upgrade and expand critical infrastructure that will keep people safe across Ontario”, said Kinga Surma, Ontario’s Minister of Infrastructure. “Once complete, the expanded Quinte Detention Centre will offer a higher inmate capacity and more programming spaces, ensuring the residents of Napanee are kept safe from dangerous offenders, while giving inmates that participate in highly specialized programs a better chance of successfully reintegrating into society.”

“OPSEU is pleased to see the ministry is moving forward with the expansion at Quinte,” said Chad Oldfield, Ontario Public Service Employees Union, Ministry Employee Relations Committee Co-chair. “These additional beds, along with the hiring of full-time staff, will help manage the rising inmate counts and mitigate the risk of violence within institutions. This is a step in the right direction for the infrastructure improvements we need to assist with program delivery and to improve working conditions across the province.”

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to respond to a Request for Proposals (RFP), which is expected to be released in summer 2025. Today’s announcement builds on the government’s more than $500 million investment to modernize adult correctional services through infrastructure upgrades and hiring of new staff.

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