Thunder Bay Correctional Complex
Client
Infrastructure Ontario / The Ministry of the Solicitor General
City
Thunder Bay
Budget
$1.2 Billion
Year Completed
2026
Size
450,000 sq. ft.
Sector
Buildings
Sub-Sector
Judicial & Correctional
The Story
The Thunder Bay Correctional Complex (“TBCC”) project involves the replacement of an aging jail and correctional facility with a new, 345-bed, multipurpose complex. 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. This includes the introduction of efficiencies related to design, technology, and the use of space, specifically:
• Behavioural and Mental Health housing options;
• Improved programming and health care services in units;
• Better access to natural light and outdoor spaces.
The rebuilt Thunder Bay Correctional Facility is designed to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (“LEED”) certification by focusing on energy efficiency, healthy indoor environments and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
The facility will include a connection to an existing 50-inmate facility called the Thunder Bay Modular Built Facility (“MBF”), which is located to the southeast of TBCC and is currently under construction.
The project also involves: creation of a new access driveway from Highway 61; additional parking areas for the public and staff; a vehicular driveway linking TBCC staff parking to the existing MBF building; and a perimeter fence that encloses both facilities and exterior Indigenous structures associated with the MBF (as well as the existing enclosed hockey rink, outdoor baseball diamond, and playing fields).
The project also involves the design and construction of a 4,000 sq. ft. wastewater treatment facility.
Ellisdon Facilities Services Inc. (“EDFS”)
EllisDon Facilities Services Inc. will provide facility and lifecycle maintenance services for the TBCC project for a 30-year team . The scope of services for the facility includes the following:
• Plant Services;
• General Management Services;
• FM Help Desk Services;
• Utilities Management Services;
• Environmental and Sustainability Services;
• Emergency Management;
• Cleaning Services (PCo space);
• Roads, Grounds, and Landscaping Maintenance Services;
• Management of Hazardous Substances, Waste and Recycling Services;
• Pest Control Services;
• Parking Management Services;
• Security & Surveillance Services;
• Ad Hoc Services; and
• FF&E Services.
Testimonials
“Together, our government’s landmark infrastructure investment and new hiring program will create and support hundreds of jobs in Thunder Bay, Kenora and surrounding regions. We are making exciting progress on building a modern correctional system that supports public safety, meets the care and programming needs of those in custody, and ensures healthy and well-resourced work environments for our frontline corrections staff to do their jobs safely.”
– Ontario Solicitor General Sylvia Jones
“A new correctional facility for Thunder Bay is a very important investment to enhance the facility’s living conditions, security, technology, and space. We are honoured to be selected to design, build, finance and maintain the new Thunder Bay Correctional Complex project.”
– Joey Comeau, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President, Capital, EllisDon