The Minister of Correctional Services has been asked for a costing review of the plan to close the jails in Owen Sound and Walkerton.
Jim Bradley and Assistant Deputy Minister Steven Small met on Thursday with Grey and Bruce County Wardens Arlene Wright and Mike Smith as well as MPP’s Bill Murdoch and Carol Mitchell.
Despite what jail staff were told on Wednesday — Murdoch says the government does not have a costing proposal done for the jail closures.
Murdoch says the Ministry is waiting for an OPP report on how much it will cost to transfer prisoners to and from the super jail in Penetanguishene — which is two hours away.
The Ministry has said its plan to close the two local jails would save three to four million dollars — but Murdoch feels it will cost more to transfer the prisoners.
The Conservative MPP says they also want the social costs included in the review because he believes the welfare costs will skyrocket.
The Wardens also argued the plan will cost the local economy six million dollars in lost wages and work.
Murdoch is not overly optimistic the jails can be saved after attending the meeting.
The local Conservative MPP feels the Ministry’s mind is made up.
But Murdoch says they should look at other Ministries to save money and start planning now to build a new jail in Grey Bruce in 10 years.
