HAMILTON, ONT.—To improve safety in one of Ontario’s correctional facilities, the province is investing almost $6 million in infrastructure upgrades at the Hamilton-Wentworth Detention Centre, known locally as Barton Jail.
Improvements to the facility include:
Replacing exterior windows and security screens to improve staff and inmate safety;
Upgrading the emergency generator that supplies power when outages occur;
Upgrading the building automation system and the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system; and
Replacing electrical services and distribution systems with newer, more efficient equipment.
Approximately 15 people will be employed for the duration of the detention centre project.
"Infrastructure Ontario is overseeing this project on behalf of the government and in support of its investment in the Hamilton-Wentworth Detention Centre. The work is being co-ordinated through our project management service provider, MHPM Project Leaders," said Infrastructure Ontario communications advisor Ian McConachie.
Upgrades in correctional facilities across Ontario is a key part of the government’s transformation of Ontario’s correctional system to increase staff and inmate safety, enhance mental health supports, improve rehabilitation and reintegration programs and break the cycle of reoffending to build safer communities, the province has stated.
"Upgrading the Hamilton-Wentworth Detention Centre is a key part of our government’s commitment to transforming our correctional system and is another example of the investments we are making to help increase staff and inmate safety and build safer, stronger communities right across our province," said Yasir Naqvi, minister of community safety and correctional services.
The detention centre, located at 165 Barton St., was constructed in 1978. Its total area encompasses 163,932 square feet over six floors and can house up to 560 inmates.
Construction is already underway and the upgrades are expected to be complete by spring 2016.
This project is part of Ontario making the largest infrastructure investment in the province’s history of more than $130 billion over 10-years.
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