Ontario Expands Jail Capacity with 110 New Beds at Elgin-Middlesex Detention Centre
LONDON — The Ontario government has completed renovations to the Regional Intermittent Unit (RIU) at the Elgin-Middlesex Detention Centre, adding 110 beds to house minimum- and medium-risk adult inmates as part of a broader strategy to modernize correctional infrastructure across the province.
The refurbished unit is set to open on March 24, 2025, and will create 45 new correctional officer positions in the London area. Officials say the expansion will improve safety, provide greater capacity, and enhance support for mental health services, rehabilitation programming, and staff training.
“The re-opening of the Regional Intermittent Unit at the Elgin-Middlesex Detention Centre marks an important milestone in the province’s plan to ensure safety and sufficient jail capacity in both the short- and long-term,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner in a statement. “We’re expanding and building facilities that will help frontline staff to do their jobs safely and effectively while increasing capacity to keep violent and repeat offenders off our streets.”
The project is part of a province-wide correctional infrastructure investment that aims to address overcrowding and improve conditions for both inmates and correctional staff. According to the province, the newly upgraded unit is designed to accommodate intermittent inmates—those serving time on weekends or non-consecutive days—freeing up space in other areas of the facility.
Rob Flack, MPP for Elgin-Middlesex-London, called the expansion a win for public safety and frontline workers. “The added jail capacity and increased complement of correctional officers at Elgin-Middlesex Detention Centre will strengthen public safety and the ability of law enforcement to deter and fight crime,” Flack said.
Labour leaders also welcomed the investment. Janet Laverty, Co-chair of the Ministry Employee Relations Committee at the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, said the improvements reflect a commitment to safer working and living conditions within the correctional system. “The beds completed today, along with the completion of other announced infrastructure projects around the province, will add capacity to the system and will assist us in keeping communities safe,” she said.
The Elgin-Middlesex Detention Centre has faced scrutiny in the past over issues including overcrowding and inmate care. The province hopes that upgrades like the RIU renovation will contribute to long-term solutions for systemic challenges in Ontario’s correctional facilities.
