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Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services (MCSCS) have issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for interested parties to design, build, finance and maintain (DBFM) a new Thunder Bay Correctional Complex in Ottawa.

The new Thunder Bay Correctional Complex will replace Thunder Bay's existing prison and correctional centre and improve access to programming, living conditions and education, while also updating automation and technology.

The project supports the Ministry's strategy of replacing aging institutions to address health, safety and security issues, including inefficiencies of design, technology and space.

The RFQ outlines the scope of work required, which includes the construction of a 325-bed, multi-purpose correctional complex.

According to sources, the estimated cost of building the new prison in Ottawa is between CAD500 (US$387.5) and CAD773 (US$600) million, based on construction costs for the Toronto South Detention Centre and the Southwest Detention Centre in Windsor.

The closing date for the submission of RFQ documents is 31 May 2018. Further information is available in our business opportunities section.

The RFQ is the first step in the procurement process to select a team to deliver the project.  IO and MCSCS will evaluate submissions to prequalify project teams with the relevant construction experience. Teams that qualify will be invited to respond to a Request for Proposals (RFP) in spring 2019.