Premier Doug Ford announced a plan to upgrade and expand jails in Eastern Ontario and add 375 mental health beds to the corrections system in the process.
The plan includes building a new Greater Ottawa Correctional Complex in Kemptville, replacing the Brockville Jail, expanding the St. Lawrence Valley Correctional and Treatment Centre and the Quinte Detention Centre for women, and renovating the Ottawa-Carleton Detention Centre.
Solicitor General Sylvia Jones said the new facilities will address overcrowding and allow for better services and programs for inmates. The new facilities will be designed to modern standards, with single occupancy cells, and include design elements that can reduce the need for segregation.
<hr />
Small businesses and registered charities that are struggling to pay their energy bills can apply for help, starting Monday.
The COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program for Small Business, funded by the province and administered by electricity and natural gas distributors as well as unit sub-meter providers, will provide one-time credits of up to $850 for electricity and gas bills for applicants that qualify. Customers must have been in good standing prior to the pandemic, but have failed to make complete payment for the electricity and/or natural gas charges since then.
"Local hydro utilities are on the front lines of Ontario’s electricity system, and they understand the financial stress that COVID-19 has created for small business and charity-sector customers," said Teresa Sarkesian, president and CEO, Electricity Distributors Association (EDA). "That’s why the EDA advocated for direct relief and targeted assistance."
"It will mean less anxiety for main street and other small-business operators who are struggling with their electricity bills. We encourage eligible customers to get their applications in quickly by contacting their local hydro utility beginning Monday, August 31."
<hr />
A frosh week like no other is upon us, sparking concern that the traditional festivities will result in an explosion of COVID-19 cases among the youths.
At his daily press conference Thursday, Ford voiced his concern.
"I'm just going to speak to the young people: Guys, just don't go out there. No parties at the beginning of the week," he said, adding that they should "hang in there" until "we all get through this."
"You can party after, but just hang in there because what's going to happen is, you know, God forbid someone gets COVID, and you're at these big parties."
"Cool your jets with the party," he added, "that's all I can tell you."

In brief: New jails, energy assistance for small businesses, and frosh week

Read this for free.