Coalition Against
the Proposed Prison
About Us
We are a group of Kemptville, Ontario residents opposed to the provincial government's proposed plan for a new 235-bed prison within our town (part of the Municipality of North Grenville). Without any consultation or warning, the Government of Ontario announced plans to build this facility - the "Greater Ottawa Correctional Complex", later renamed the "Eastern Ontario Correctional Complex" on a unique parcel of farmland in Kemptville as part of an ill-conceived strategy to expand jail capacity across the eastern Ontario region.
Sustaining Our Future Together
We recognize that there are many groups and individuals with varied reasons for supporting a positive vision of Kemptville’s future and therefore opposing the proposed prison. Our goal is to provide a collective platform for a concerted effort to “Sustain Our Future Together” and promote the goodwill that can be generated when we work together to ensure a healthy future for our community.
We believe Kemptville’s future lies in opportunities for positive economic growth,
supporting local business development, promoting tourism, celebrating its history, and
championing the natural beauty in and around our town and municipality.
Opponents of the proposed prison gather at the site of the former Kemptville College. The Province plans to dig up and pave over a large section of the farmland. Photo courtesy of Larry Belzac
Opponents of the proposed Kemptville prison gather at a rally on the College farm lands. Photo courtesy of Larry Belzac
NO PRISON is wanted or needed in Kemptville or anywhere else in Ontario. Why not fix the bail and remand system instead?
Opponents of the proposed prison gather at the site of the former Kemptville College. The Province plans to dig up and pave over a large section of the farmland. Photo courtesy of Larry Belzac
Losing Kemptville's Character and Its Vision for the Future
The Government's plan would see the new Kemptville facility house all Ottawa and area sentenced provincial prisoners, as well as an undefined number of prisoners on remand. Ottawa has a population of well over 1,000,000 people and was recently cited as one of the fastest growing municipalities in Canada. Kemptville’s current population is 250 times smaller than Ottawa’s (about 4,000 people) and simply does not have the infrastructure to accommodate the proposed prison. Kemptville’s unique character and small-town charm, as well as the vision for its future, will not be sustainable should this proposed prison be built.
Standing up for our community
CAPP is committed to supporting the voices of opposition against plans to build the proposed "Eastern Ontario Correctional Complex" and shedding light on the facts.
They Paved Paradise
(And Put up a Jail)
The land to be used represents an important component of our agricultural and farming heritage. Already identified opportunities for innovative and visionary uses for the property, in keeping with its natural features and historical significance, will be lost forever should this plan proceed. We deserve better.
A dairy barn, circa 1953, sits on the provincially owned land. Photo courtesy of Jane Rutter, Fine Art Photographer
One of several farm buildings expected to be razed should the proposed prison proceed. Photo courtesy of Jane Rutter, Fine Art Photographer
A quaint storage shed lies on the land owned by the provincial government. Photo courtesy of Jane Rutter, Fine Art Photographer
A dairy barn, circa 1953, sits on the provincially owned land. Photo courtesy of Jane Rutter, Fine Art Photographer
A branch of the Rideau River runs through downtown Kemptville. Photo courtesy of Jane Rutter, Fine Art Photographer
An image of the iconic clock tower in Rotary Park, Kemptville ON Photo courtesy of Jane Rutter, Fine Art Photographer
A sign as rustic and charming as the town of Kemptville denotes the north entrance to the beloved Maple Orchard. Photo courtesy of Jane Rutter, Fine Art Photographer
A branch of the Rideau River runs through downtown Kemptville. Photo courtesy of Jane Rutter, Fine Art Photographer
Please visit our issues page to learn about the many reasons people are concerned about this plan.