Niagara jail overcrowding hits six-year high with 40% more inmates

Overcrowding at the Niagara Detention Centre (NDC) hit 136% occupancy in early 2025, the highest since 2019, with an average of 302 inmates in a facility designed for 240. This situation raises concerns for families, like Angela Case, whose son died in custody amid similar overcrowding issues. Correctional staff report significant challenges due to increased inmate numbers and limited resources, while 89% of detainees are on remand, awaiting trial. In response, the Ontario government announced a $180 million investment to expand NDC, adding 50 beds and more programming space.