Collins Bay Institution
Canadian correctional facility From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Collins Bay Institution (French: Établissement de Collins Bay) is a multilevel correctional facility in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, and falls under the supervision of Correctional Services of Canada.[1] The facility was opened in 1930,[2] and is now the oldest operational federal penitentiary in Ontario. The main prison is medium security, with a minimum security facility (formerly Frontenac Institution[3]) residing on the same property. A 96-bed maximum security unit is also operational.
 Collins Bay Institution Main Building | |
 | |
| Coordinates | 44°14′5″N 76°33′12″W |
|---|---|
| Status | Operational |
| Security class | Max/Med/Min |
| Capacity | 700 |
| Opened | 1930 |
| Former name | Preferred Class Penitentiary |
| Managed by | Correctional Service of Canada |
| Warden | Larry Ringler |
| Street address | 1455 Bath Road Kingston, Ontario K7L 4V9 |
Collins Bay Institution was opened in 1930 under the name "Preferred Class Penitentiary (Ontario)" to accommodate the growing number of inmates in the Ontario region. Inmates from Kingston Penitentiary, only 2 km away, assisted in the construction of the new prison.[4] The facility was built to further the government strategy of creating a graduated tier of penalties, that placed offenders in levels of security corresponding to the crime.[5] The main building (A-1) was built in the Canadian Chateau style, and has steeply pitched red metal roofing. Dormers are symmetrically placed across the front and rear, with pointed towers at the corners.[6] The center tower is much taller than the others, with a steeple on top. Local Kingston Ontario residents have opted to informally call this structure "Disneyland North", due to its castle-like resemblance.[7] Collins Bay Institution has a long history of violence,[8] and unrest.[9] "The Bay" or "CBI" has the moniker of "Gladiator School",[10] in reference to frequent deadly clashes between inmates.
The first living unit (cell block B-1 built in 1932) was a rectangular, two-story structure. It consists of limestone, and has a mansard roof. It has half-circle windows on the outer walls, and cell enclosures confined to the centre of the building. It was the first building erected within the walls of the prison, and signified a permanency to local residents.[11] A further 3 similar cell blocks were constructed over the next 20 years (B-2, B-3 and B-4). The blocks were referenced as "1 Block, 2 Block, 3 Block & 4 Block" by staff and inmates.[12] As of 2014, there are 32 buildings within Collins Bay Institution.[13] The structure of the B-1 building remains standing and is recognized as a federal historic building.[14] Buildings 6-9, which are of a hub-and-spoke design, were added in 2008,[15] and Building 11 in 2014.[16] Building 11 is a 3500 sq. m. maximum security unit that can accommodate the overflow of inmates after the Kingston Penitentiary closed in 2013.[17]
- Lorne Edgar Campbell, outlaw biker and gangster.[18]
- Gary Comeau, one of the Port Hope 8.[19]
- Daniel Chi-Kwong Wong, conspirator in the murder of Bich-Ha Pan and attempted murder of Hann Pan masterminded by Jennifer Pan[20]
- Bernie Guindon, outlaw biker and gangster.[18]
- Harley Davidson Guindon, outlaw biker.[21]
- Billy Knight, the leader of the 1971 Kingston Penitentiary riot.[22]
- Barrie MacKenzie, one of the leaders of the Kingston Penitentiary riot.[23]
- Jeff McLeod, one of the Port Hope 8.[24]
- Richard Sauvé, one of the Port Hope 8.[25]
- Brent Taylor, of the Squamish Five.
- Edwards, Peter (2013). Unrepentant The Strange and (Sometimes) Terrible Life of Lorne Campbell, Satan's Choice and Hells Angels Biker. Toronto: Vintage Canada. ISBN 9780307362575.
- Edwards, Peter (2017). Hard Road: Bernie Guindon and the Reign of the Satan's Choice Motorcycle Club. Toronto: Random House. ISBN 978-0345816108.
- Fogarty, Catherine (2021). Murder on the Inside The True Story of the Deadly Riot at Kingston Penitentiary. Windsor: Biblioasis. ISBN 9781771964029.
- Lowe, Mick (2013). A Conspiracy of Brothers: A True Story of Bikers, Murder and the Law. Toronto: Vintage Canada. ISBN 978-0345813169.
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