J.J. Kelso Secure Custody Centre

The J.J. Kelso Centre is a secure custody building for young offenders comprising an 18 unit residence with support facilities creating a self-contained living environment. The complex includes administrative, recreational, classroom, dining and food preparation components.

The Centre was the first Young Offenders facility delivered by COMSOC, the usual provider at the time was the Ministry of Corrections. The project was completed at two-thirds of the cost typical for similar facilities in Ontario.

As a secure facility the project was designed under O.B.C. "B-1" classification with it's high level of life safety; with special attention to fire resistance requiring non-combustible construction and a fire suppression sprinkler system.

The challenge for this project was to create a more residential atmosphere in a secure detention facility. The resulting design was organized as a series of "Home Units" where the individual detention rooms cluster around a shared lounge area.

Project Details:

• Client: W.W. Creighton Centre
• Project Size: 16,000 sq. ft.
• Project Value: $3,000,000
• Contractor: Gateway Contractors
• Completed: November 1991
• Location: Thunder Bay, On