The Ontario government is exploring the reopening of the historic Brantford Jail in downtown Brantford, a move that could add up to 125 beds for violent and repeat offenders as early as June 2028. Solicitor General Michael Kerzner announced the plan on August 6, 2026, alongside local officials like Brantford Police Chief Jason Saunders and MPP Will Bouma.
The jail, known locally as the “Brantford Bucket,” has sat empty since December 2017, when the former Liberal government closed it due to rising costs. That closure was part of a sweep that shuttered eight provincial jails and cut Ontario’s correctional capacity by more than 20 percent. Now, the province sees reopening the 1852 building as a cheaper alternative to building new.
“Having adequate correctional capacity is an important step in maintaining public safety,” Chief Saunders said at the announcement, stressing that a strong justice system depends on every partner doing its part.
The reopening is part of a $3 billion province-wide plan to add over 2,500 permanent beds over the next decade. The province says jails are in a crisis, with overcrowding, violence, and staff shortages. The Ministry of the Solicitor General is now working with Infrastructure Ontario to plan what fixes are needed. MPP Will Bouma said construction is expected to begin this fall, with an estimated opening of June 2028, though Kerzner did not confirm that timeline.
When the jail closed in 2017, about 80 inmates and 80 staff were moved to other facilities, mainly the Maplehurst Correctional Complex in Milton. That forced local justice workers and families to travel much farther. The reopening would bring those services back closer to home.
