Ontario jail from the 1850s could reopen after sitting abandoned almost a decade

An Ontario jail constructed in the 1850s could soon reopen as part of a broader $3 billion plan from the provincial government to expand the correctional system.

The province announced on Thursday that it is "exploring the reopening of the Brantford Jail" to introduce "up to 125 beds to the correctional system in Ontario."

The Brantford Jail, first constructed over a century and a half ago, was closed in December 2017 as part of a provincial program to decommission obsolete facilities. It remains part of a 1.6-acre Ontario government complex that also includes the Brantford Courthouse.

And, despite falling crime metrics in major urban centres like Toronto, the province is doubling down on the need for additional capacity.

"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 reopen 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."

We’re exploring the reopening of Brantford Jail.

This reopening could add up to 125 beds to the correctional system and support our ongoing work to protect Ontario by keeping violent and repeat offenders behind bars.https://t.co/mt5vstEyfc pic.twitter.com/TA9xXsZtQD

— Ministry of the Solicitor General (@ONsafety) August 6, 2026

The province states that the Ministry of the Solicitor General is working with Infrastructure Ontario on planning and design work to determine what would be required to reopen and safely operate the Brantford Jail, suggesting some level of modernization is in the cards for the archaic correctional facility.

"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.