Jail for Teenagers

January 16, 2007 permalink

When children removed from their parents become teenagers, some are a threat to the peace and have to be restrained by force. Elected representatives take perverse pride in the facilities necessary to lock them up. Here is a press release from MPP David Orazietti announcing the construction of a youth jail in Sault Sainte Marie.

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For Immediate Release

January 15, 2007

ORAZIETTI ANNOUNCES START OF NEW YOUTH JUSTICE CENTRE CONSTRUCTION

Province Awards Construction Contract to Local Firm Creating 130 Construction Related Jobs and 30 Permanent Jobs

SAULT STE. MARIE – Sault MPP David Orazietti announced today that George Stone and Sons Ltd. has been awarded the contract by the province to build the new secure custody facility for youth on Second Line.

“Building a modern facility to serve the needs of the Sault and area at a cost of nearly $8 million, which will create 30 new jobs means more great news for our local economy,” said Orazietti. “With this investment, our government will help ensure that young people in our community receive the treatment, rehabilitation and programs they need closer to home, so that they can become productive members of society.”

The previous government closed Sault Ste. Marie’s youth justice centre and chose instead to transport the area’s youth to Sudbury at a cost of over $500,000 per year. The McGuinty government is reversing an irresponsible decision by building a state-of-the-art facility to serve the needs of Sault Ste. Marie and area.

“Local youth in conflict with the law will be closer to their families, which will assist our ministry in providing meaningful rehabilitation,” said Children and Youth Services Minister Mary Anne Chambers. “Our government recognizes the importance of providing rehabilitation as close to home as possible and helping these young people reintegrate into their home communities as productive citizens.”

Highlights of the new Youth Justice Centre include:

• 20,000 square foot facility
• 30 new full-time provincial government jobs
• 130 construction-related jobs
• 16 bed phase 1 and 2 closed-custody facility
• Accommodating male and female youth aged 12 to 17
• Valued at $7.8 million

“Our ministry is proud to play a role in the development of a modern, significant and necessary facility in Northern Ontario,” said Public Infrastructure Renewal Minister David Caplan. “This project is part of ReNew Ontario, the government’s five-year $30-billion plus infrastructure investment plan.”

The contractor will begin to mobilize machinery onsite later this month, with construction to begin in February. The facility, to be operated by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services, is expected to be completed by spring 2008.

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Source: David Orazietti

Feedback: Bizzi suggests spending $8 million on a jail for politicians.