A Holistic Vision Rooted in Place and People

The facility is shaped by the landscape and the people it serves. We worked closely with Indigenous consultants to align the facility’s design with the program’s guiding principles. Rooted in cultural, spiritual, and design elements that promote rehabilitation and healing, the structure emphasizes a theme of cycles, anchored in the movement of seasons, life, and hope.

Instead of a single imposing structure, the complex unfolds as a series of interconnected buildings, forming smaller “neighborhoods” within a secure campus. Natural light, material warmth, and clear views to the outdoors create a setting that is grounded in nature rather than institutional.

Balancing Security with Connection

Inside, the design balances safety and supervision with spaces that promote order without rigidity. Circulation paths are intuitive, housing units are scaled to encourage familiarity, and daylight reaches deep into interior spaces. Shared areas provide opportunities for interaction, education, and recreation between staff and residents.

The architectural language is calm and transparent, using texture and color to create a sense of normalcy not typically associated with correctional settings. Through proportion and materiality, spaces convey dignity rather than “confinement.” For staff, improved sightlines and logical flow enhance safety and efficiency, while the overall atmosphere supports well-being for everyone who occupies the facility.

An Integrated, Performance-Based Delivery Model

Delivered through a public-private partnership, otherwise known as a P3, TBCC demonstrates how design excellence can thrive within a performance-based framework. Our Justice+Civic Studio collaborated closely with the owner and P3 team to align long-term maintenance, construction efficiency, and design intent over the facility’s 30-year operational period. The 345-bed, 450,000-SF complex consolidates multiple justice programs within one site, providing spaces for healthcare, education, and treatment alongside secure housing. This integrated approach enhances safety, reduces operational inefficiencies, and creates a supportive environment for both staff and inmates.

A Framework for Future Transformation

The Thunder Bay Correctional Complex establishes a new standard for correctional design in Canada. A standard that demonstrates that correctional environments can be secure yet supportive, efficient yet humane. It redefines the relationship between building, landscape, and behavior, offering a clear direction for the next generation of justice facilities in Canada.

We are serving as lead design architect in collaboration with Zeidler Architecture, with EllisDon serving as the Developer and Design-Builder. EllisDon Facilities Services Inc. leads facilities management, and EllisDon Capital Inc. serves as the project’s financial advisor.