Canada’s Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and the Ministry of the Solicitor General have awarded a C$178m ($126m) contract to EBC, a construction company, to expand the Quinte Detention Centre in Greater Napanee, Ontario.

The decision follows a competitive procurement process that started in October 2024.

The project aims to add space for 91 additional inmates, increasing the facility’s capacity to more than 300.

The expansion will provide additional accommodation for female inmates and enhance recreational areas.

Other areas set for improvement comprise reception and visitation, health services and the infirmary, admissions and discharge, and designated space for the Institutional Crisis Intervention Team.

Construction is expected to begin later this year under a design-bid-build model, which gives the project owner greater control and flexibility during the construction process.

The expansion forms part of the Ontario government’s wider strategy to increase capacity at adult correctional institutions.

The project aims to support staff and inmate safety and ensure sufficient space to meet current and future requirements at the Quinte facility.

Alongside new inmate accommodation, the extension will include staff and executive administration facilities, additional parking, upgraded public and staff entrances, and new spaces for critical services.

IO and the Ministry of the Solicitor General selected EBC following a series of evaluations.

The Quinte Detention Centre is part of Ontario’s justice infrastructure portfolio.

In February 2024, the Ottawa Hospital Build Partners entered into a development phase agreement with IO and The Ottawa Hospital for the construction of a new hospital campus in Ottawa.