The Timeline: 1971

The reform

In 1971, the province of Ontario bought the prison, and it officially became a provincial county jail. At this time, many modernizations were made to the prison including the addition of plumbing, security cameras, showers, electronic locks…etc. Lights and electricity were added as well for the benefit of the prisoners and the guards. Another addition to the cell’s were the cement beds that replaced the metal cots. Most of the cell blocks still did not have toilets inside individual cells and therefore would have to use chamber pots or buckets that would be kept in a hole underneath the beds. Regular showers were provided for the prisoners to upkeep personal hygiene when incarcerated. 

The 1970s were a period of significant change for the jail due to the protests and outrage at the horrendous living conditions prisoners would have had to endure while incarcerated.[1] To subside the public outrage, the jail put in many new accommodations that increased the hygiene, modernity, and status of SDG jail as well as the living conditions for the incarcerated. [2]

[1] Ottawa Journal. July 21, 1977.

[2] The Ottawa Citizen. December 30, 1996.