Next Steps regarding the Announcement of a Provincial Correctional Complex in North Grenville
Over the past few weeks, I have been listening to the community in regards to the recent announcement by the Ford government to build a provincial Correctional facility in North Grenville. I have received many questions, comments and concerns related to the new facility that has been slated for the approximately 182 acre parcel of land, known as the farmside lands, near Kemptville Campus on CR 44.
Some members of our community are in support of the project and the opportunities it can bring to North Grenville. Others are clear that they do not want a correctional facility in our community. Whichever way you lean, a lot of questions have emerged.
I, with the support of our senior leadership team at the Municipality, have continued to reach out to the Ministry of the Solicitor General in search of answers. We have shared your feedback, and like many of you, there are many pieces we still want to better understand:
- What was the process to select the site, particularly given its proximity to Kemptville Campus?
- What are the current considerations for the complex?
- How might it help our local economy?
- What steps will be taken to ensure community safety?
- What are the next steps?
- How will they gather public input from us?
So far, our conversations with the province have been positive and staff have been available to assist us. We are actively working to ensure that the Ministry of the Solicitor General will be transparent and timely in the information they provide to the public. We would all appreciate knowing what measures will be taken to preserve so many cherished aspects of our community.
However, it is quite unfortunate that there still isn’t sufficient information from the province to share at this juncture. Clearly, people’s concerns deserve to be fully addressed. To that end, while not in their original plans, I have asked Minister Clark’s office to lead a Tele-Town Hall in North Grenville in the coming weeks. I will share more details as soon as we have a date.
As I stated from the moment this announcement was made, my job is to ensure North Grenville’s voice is heard – and that we get answers to our questions – so that North Grenville benefits from this information to the greatest degree possible. This is precisely what I have been doing since August 27 when the announcement was made.
I recognize the province is in the very early planning stages. However, in our conversations, they have repeatedly committed to providing as much detail as quickly as possible. We are holding them to it.
Throughout this process, it is important to direct your questions and concerns to the Ministry of the Solicitor General’s online feedback portal (Click on the ‘Contact Us’ tab at this sitewww.mcscs.jus.gov.on.ca), or via Mr. Clark’s office: (613) 342-9522; Local Toll-Free: 1-800-267-4408.
Email: info@steveclarkmpp.com.
I look forward to connecting with you again, and will share news on this project as I receive it.
In the meantime, stay safe and take good care.
Nancy Peckford,
Mayor, North Grenville
