The Ontario government has issued a request for qualifications for contractors to expand capacity at the Quinte Detention Centre in Napanee.

The expansion will increase the capacity at the facility by just under 25 percent to help meet the care and programming needs of those in custody while ensuring a safe environment for 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.”

The detention centre will be expanded to add 66 new beds for female offenders and more programming space, bringing the institution’s capacity to over 300 beds. The project will be delivered using a design-bid-build model.

Applicants shortlisted through the RFQ profess will be invited to respond to a request for proposals. That document is expected to be released in summer 2025.

The Quinte Detention Centre opened in 1971 replacing Belleville, Kingston, Picton and Napanee County Jails.