Construction crews working on the Thunder Bay Correctional Complex (TBCC) celebrated the project’s topping off in December.

Team members were invited to include their signature on the structural beam, as a way to mark the completion of the building's framework and recognize their efforts for reaching the highest point of construction.

“A new correctional facility for Thunder Bay is a very important investment to enhance the facility’s living conditions, security, technology, and space,” said Joey Comeau, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President, Capital, EllisDon. “We are honoured to be selected to design, build, finance and maintain the new Thunder Bay Correctional Complex project."

The project involves the replacement of an aging jail and correctional facility with a new, 345-bed, multipurpose complex designed to meet the LEED Silver certification, with a focus on energy efficiency, healthy indoor environments and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Both the Thunder Bay Jail and Thunder Bay Correctional Facility are among the oldest provincially run adult correctional facilities, which were built in 1928 and 1965, respectively.

The new facility will update automation and technology to address issues of health, safety and security. It will also include a connection to an existing 50-inmate facility called the Thunder Bay Modular Built Facility, which is located to the southeast of TBCC and is currently under construction.

The project also involves the design and construction of a 4,000-square foot wastewater treatment facility.

EllisDon Facilities Services Inc. will provide facility and lifecycle maintenance services for the TBCC project for a 30-year term.