The Provincial Government announced that it is exploring the re-opening of the Brantford Jail on Thursday, August 6, 2026.
This re-opening, which is part of the government’s $3 billion investment to expand adult correctional capacity and keep communities safe, could add up to 125 beds to the correctional system in Ontario and support the government’s ongoing work to protect Ontario by keeping violent and repeat offenders behind bars.
“Protecting Ontario starts with making sure our correctional system has the capacity it needs today and for years to come,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “That’s why we’re exploring opportunities to re-open suitable former correctional facilities like the Brantford Jail that were closed by the previous government while continuing to make historic investments in new correctional infrastructure across the province.”
The Ministry of the Solicitor General, in partnership with Infrastructure Ontario, is undertaking planning and design work to determine next steps required to successfully re-open the Brantford Jail. This work will help inform future decisions on the project by identifying the work required to re-open the facility and safely operate the jail.
“Our government is making long-term investments to build a stronger, more sustainable correctional system that help keep our communities safe,” said Acting Minister of Infrastructure Todd McCarthy. “Under Premier Ford’s leadership, we are building and renewing critical infrastructure through the province’s $236 billion capital plan to support communities, create good-paying jobs and protect Ontario.”
Ontario is making a historic $3 billion investment to expand adult correctional capacity. This investment will help ensure correctional institutions can keep pace with tougher bail and sentencing laws while helping protect communities and providing frontline correctional staff with the facilities, resources and personnel they need to do their jobs safely.
“As a volunteer firefighter with the County of Brant, public health and safety are constantly top of mind. Planning to re-open the Brantford Jail will help keep people closer to home and alleviate the correctional system for the entire region,” said Will Bouma, MPP for Brantford-Brant.
