Owen Sound Councillor Ian Boddy says the proposed closure of the city’s jail could have serious consequences.
Boddy — a practising lawyer — foresees a Charter of Rights challenge if an accused person is not permitted a fair and speedy trial because they’re being housed at a jail two hours away from their legal representation.
The province has announced it will close the Owen Sound jail and prisoners will be transferred to another facility in Penetanguishene.
Boddy says in-person meetings between lawyers and clients are the only proper way to prepare a defence for a trial.
He says videoconferencing is fine for remands but that technology and telephone calls will never replace face-to-face preparation.
And if someone is successful in a constitutional challenge, Boddy says it could lead to a loss of confidence in the justice system because the public may not appreciate someone’s charges being dismissed over a technicality.
Boddy also says travelling to Penetanguishene will place a burden on lawyers that may end up being borne by the province, which funds the legal aid system.
He says it makes no sense and will be a waste of the province’s money to pay lawyers to sit in a car for two hours just so they can interview their clients.
His were among a number of concerns expressed by councillors on Monday who have vowed to fight the closure of the jail.
If it must be closed because of operational deficiencies, the city wants the province to build a new facility in or near Owen Sound.
