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In a passionate plea for the community to get involved in helping to keep the Walkerton Jail open, several speakers spoke at the Town Hall meeting held at Jubliee Hall on April 21 in Walkerton.

Approximately 100 local residents crowded into the Hall to hear several speakers including Grey-Bruce-Owen Sound MPP Bill Murdoch, Police Chief Tracey David (Hanover) Mayor David Inglis (Walkerton), Councilor Chris Peabody, Dave Trumble (Grey Bruce Labour Council President), Jerry Hope (OPSEU President local225) Lisa Paulin (Saugeen First Nation), Headly Thompson (Bruce Lawyers Association) and members of the Canadian Mental Health Association and Parole and Probation members.

All the speakers echoed the same concerns on the repercussions that would result with the closing of the jail and the impact it would have on the community.  Extended travel transport times to the 'super-mega jails', the loss of almost $3.5 million in wages and benefits from the area, the loss of the 'Weekend Program', the loss of rehabilitation and counseling for inmates within their own community.

"This jail should not be closed or decommissioned," said Hope.  "Prisoners in Walkerton are treated with dignity and respect ... in super jails, many will be ignored. 

MPP Bill Murdoch said that  "... it is just another dumb idea coming of Queen's Park in Toronto."

"It's not about the money, it's about justice and corrections," said Thompson.  He went on to say that rural communities need to "pull together" and complimented Murdoch in "standing up for the community".

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is concerned that inmates from the area entering the jail system  and then being transported two to three hours away (on a good weather day) will create huge problems.  The Association will be unable to provide proper counseling or care services and, according to the CMHA, nearly 30 per cent of inmates have concurrent mental health issues, such as addictions and developmental delays.

"We need to voice loudly that we need our local jails," said David.

Inglis said that Council was shocked to hear of the proposed Walkerton jail closure. "Bruce County Council toured the Walkerton jail and it is in excellent shape." He also voiced concerns over the problems in Grey-Bruce with 'crystal meth' substance abuse and the loss of counseling services that will result.

A petition was available for signing at the meeting and yellow ribbons were distributed. Many of Walkerton's businesses also have petitions and residents were encouraged to contact Huron-Bruce MPP Carol Mitchell to keep the Walkerton jail open as the time line for closure is being rushed through by the province. Also, the jails in both Owen Sound and Sarnia are slated for closure within two years.

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Thursday, April 28, 2011