Women Offender Programs and Issues

Report on announced inspection in Canada by HM Chief Inspector of Prisons for England and Wales:
Grand Valley Institution for Women

Fact page

Task of the establishment

Grand Valley Institution for Women (GVIW) in Kitchener, Ontario, is one of six regional federal facilities for women offenders across Canada. GVIW is a multi-level institution responsible for the reception, assessment and placement of women receiving federal terms (i.e. sentences of two years or more) within the Ontario region. The warden at GVIW is also responsible for Isabel McNeill House, a separate minimum security institution for up to 10 women located in Kingston, Ontario.

Responsible organisation          
Correctional Service of Canada

Number held
100

Maximum capacity
107

Brief history
GVIW opened in 1997 with nine living units and an enhanced (reception) unit. Two additional living units and the structured living environment (SLE) opened in 2001. The enhanced unit was replaced by the secure unit in October 2004.

Description of residential units
GVIW consists of 11 self-contained living units; an SLE; a secure unit, including a segregation unit; and a private family visiting unit.