Residents are being reminded of the upcoming special council meeting on the proposed Kemptville prison.
North Grenville council is hosting the public meeting on Tuesday regarding the controversial Eastern Ontario Correctional Complex.
Mayor Nancy Peckford says it’s an opportunity for the community to share their perspectives, express concerns, and ask questions about the proposed facility.
“This will give council a chance to listen to the various groups, or individuals who feel they want to put something on the record,” Peckford said. “And obviously, it’s our job to articulate that to the ministry. We’ve also invited MPP Steve Clark to be in attendance, as well as a couple of ministry officials, so they get the full benefit of this forum as well.”
The province announced plans in August 2020 to build the proposed prison, located on the “farm-side” of the Kemptville Campus, on approximately 182 acres that have been long owned by the province.
The Office of the Solicitor General Sylvia Jones held a virtual public forum for residents in November.
Then at the request of the Mayor and Council, the Ministry held a series of stakeholder engagement sessions.
Peckford says this meeting will allow provincial officials to hear from advocate groups, like the Coalition Against the Proposed Prison, and the Jail Opposition Group.
“Myself and the Deputy Mayor have been in dialogue with those groups for a number of months now, but we felt it was time to host this community forum that wasn’t hosted by the Ministry out of the province, but one that was hosted by council, so we could get the benefit of hearing where the community is at right now,” Peckford said.
Members of the public can submit written comments via email until Monday at 4 p.m.
The meeting takes place Tuesday at 6:30 p.m., and you can register to attend by contacting the municipality.
