Ontario's Ford Government Introduces Triple Bunks in Jails

0:00Ontario's Ford government is making triple bunk beds a permanent fix in some jail cells to tackle massive overcrowding. Jails are running at around 130% capacity, with more violence and staff shortages causing frequent lockdowns. There are mending expansion plans to squeeze in third-bunks, where cells were built for just two. Internal documents show this, hitting the Quinte Detention Center first, where architects OK 25 extra wall-mounted bunks with no big. Changes to design, power, or plumbing. The solicitor general's office pitched it to the premier's team last September, and it got Treasury Board approval since cost-state low-end timelines held. Critics like University of Ottawa criminology Professor Justin P. Shey warned it'll ramp up tension and fights between inmates and guards, hurting safety. Overall, correctional office's union rep, Adam Saigler agrees, saying permanent triple-bunking needs way more staff, plus extra toilets, showers, and programs.

1:00To keep things under control. This fits into a huge provincial jail build-out, with Phase 1 adding 1,170 beds by 2032 at $4 billion. That covers new spots in Thunder Bay, Brockville, and others, plus modular units in Niagara and Sudbury. Phase 2 and 3 aim for thousands more, through 2050. Meanwhile, the government keeps hunting faster ways to boost capacity, promising more announcements soon, but questions linger on whether these quick. Fixes will really ease the crunch without sparking bigger problems down the line. Canada news today, powered by AI bringing you what matters. I'm Corey with The Story.