The new Ge-Da-Gi-Binez Youth Centre in Fort Frances is a secure custody facility that will accommodate up to 12 Aboriginal youth from Northwestern Ontario, who are being detained or serving sentences.

The centre is the first of its kind in Canada dedicated to rehabilitating Aboriginal youth in conflict with the law. Evidence-based rehabilitative programs will be provided in line with Aboriginal culture.

The Ge-Da-Gi-Binez Youth Centre is owned by the Ontario government and will be operated in partnership with a consortium of Aboriginal and social service agencies. Pwi-Di-Goo-Zing Ne-Yaa-Zhing Advisory Services is the lead agency and will manage the facility. Other community agencies in the consortium are: Seven Generations Educational Institute; Weech-it-ewin Family Services; Fort Frances Tribal Area Health Services; Gizhewaadiziwin Health Access Centre; and William W. Creighton Youth Services.

Secure Custody Facility highlights:

• Construction cost: approximately $13.2 million
• Facility size: approximately 18,711 square feet
• Designed by Paul Mitchell Architects in North Bay
• Architectural design reflects Aboriginal themes. Facility includes a ceremonial space so young people can practice Aboriginal traditions
• Will accommodate up to eight males and four females ages 12 to 17
• Created approximately 200 new jobs
• Approximately 40 full-time and part-time employees will work at the centre
• Capital funding to build the facility was provided by the Ontario government as part of its $30-billion five-year ReNew Ontario infrastructure investment plan.

The McGuinty government is committed to keeping Ontario communities strong, safe and vital by reducing the number of youth in conflict with the law.