Over $21 million announced for water treatment plant expansion in Kemptville to support new jail
The Ontario government is one step closer to completing the proposed new Eastern Ontario Correctional Complex in Kemptville.
It was announced on Thursday, Nov. 14 that the government is investing up to $21.8 mission to expand the Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) in support of this project.
“This expansion is critical to helping build the jail in Kemptville,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner when he visited the region on Thursday. Kerzner said that in addition to supporting the jail, the expansion will also “[improve] water services for rural families and businesses.”
The state-of-the-art EOCC will add 235 beds in the Eastern Region and include features to ensure the safety of correctional officers and programming space. It’s expected to require a daily water flow rate of 250 cubic metres.
“I’m pleased that our government is delivering on its commitment to help build the infrastructure North Grenville requires to meet the needs of this fast-growing community, including the Correctional Complex,” said Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes MPP Steve Clark. “Our government remains a strong partner that municipalities in rural and Eastern Ontario can rely on to support them as we work together to grow our economy and keep our communities safe.”
North Grenville mayor Nancy Peckford noted that the announcement highlights a significant investment in North Grenville’s 30-year-old waste water treatment facility and the future of the community.
“With the province’s crucial financial support of the expansion of North Grenville’s Water Pollution Control Plant, our municipality can respond to the needs of our rapidly growing population, including new commercial and residential options, increase economic opportunities, more recreational amenities and a high quality of life,” Peckford said. “As one of Eastern Ontario’s most dynamic communities, it is imperative that we remain fiscally healthy, protect our environment, and ensure smart and sustainable investments that benefit North Grenville as a whole.”
As part of the government’s plans to increase correctional capacity, two new jails will be built in eastern Ontario: the Eastern Ontario Correctional Complex in Kemptville and the Brockville Correctional Complex. The St. Lawrence Valley Correctional and Treatment Centre will also be expanded to accommodate a women’s treatment unit and the Quinte Detention Centre will be expanded to add inmate programming and female capacity.