Being incarcerated in Ontario presents many challenges, not just for the inmate, but also for their family. In our day-to-day life, we take many privileges for granted. Some of these privileges are either forbidden or strictly controlled and enforced in prison. One such privilege is the freedom to see your family and friends whenever you choose. Regardless of whether you’re awaiting trial or have already been sentenced, visiting hours are one of the privileges inmates value the most.
Visitation Guidelines for Visiting Prisons
Prisons across Ontario have very similar visitation guidelines, although there could be slight differences. If you’re planning a visit to an inmate, you must present two pieces of identification, one of which must be a government-issued photo ID. Moreover, the number of visitors is restricted to two people at a time per visit. Here are a few examples of visitation guidelines for various prisons in Ontario.
Metro West Detention Centre
At Metro West Detention Centre, friends and family are allowed to visit during certain hours, namely from 9:00 am to 10:30 am, and again from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm. These hours are applicable seven days a week. However, each inmate is only permitted two visits per week, and each visit is restricted to a length of 20 minutes. Lawyers, on the other hand, enjoy more flexibility with their visitation hours. They can visit any day of the week between the hours of 6:00 pm and 8:30 pm, without any limit on the number of visits.
Metro East Detention Centre
At Metro East Detention Centre, visiting hours for friends and family are from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm and from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm, seven days a week. The length of each visit depends on which unit the inmates are placed in. For inmates that have been sentenced, they are granted two 40-minute visits per week. Inmates who are awaiting trial are permitted two 20-minute visits per week. As for lawyers, the visitation hours are more accommodating. They can visit anytime during the hours of 9:00 am to 11:00 am, 1:30 pm to 3:15 pm, and 5:30 pm to 7:15 pm without any limitation on the number of visits.
Maplehurst Detention Centre
In the Maplehurst Detention Centre, friends and family can visit between 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm and 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm, seven days a week. However, the length of these visits depends on the unit where the inmates are housed. Sentenced inmates are permitted two, 40-minute visits per week behind glass. For inmates awaiting trial, they are allowed two, 20-minute visits per week. Lawyers at this centre can visit as often as needed during the hours of 9:00 am to 11:00 am, 1:30 pm to 3:15 pm, and between 5:30 pm to 7:15 pm.
Central North
At Central North, friends and family are allowed to visit between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm, but only on weekdays. Sentenced inmates are allowed two 40-minute visits per week. Similarly, inmates awaiting trial are also permitted two 20-minute visits per week. As for lawyers, they are allowed unlimited visits during regular business hours whenever needed.
Hamilton Detention Centre
At Hamilton Detention Centre, the visiting hours for friends and family are divided into groups, as the centre houses over 500 inmates. The specific days and times for visits depend on which group the inmate belongs to. The length of the visit also depends on the unit the inmates are placed in. Sentenced inmates are allowed two 40-minute visits per week. Similarly, inmates awaiting trial are also allowed two 20-minute visits per week. For lawyers, there is more flexibility, as they have unlimited visitation during the hours of 9:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 6:00 pm.
Vanier Centre for Women
At the Vanier Centre for Women, visiting hours for friends and family are at 2:45 pm, 6:15 pm, and 7:00 pm, seven days a week. They are allowed two visits per week, with each visit lasting half an hour. For lawyers, they have unrestricted visitation seven days a week during the following hours: between 9:30 am and 11:00 am, from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm, and finally from 6:15 pm to 8:00 pm.
Protect Your Rights – Consult a Criminal Lawyer Today
Visiting someone in prison in Ontario involves specific guidelines and limitations, which vary slightly between institutions. Understanding these rules and the rights surrounding visitation can be crucial, especially when navigating the complexities of criminal proceedings.
If you have questions about visiting an incarcerated individual or need legal support regarding a criminal case, Pyzer Criminal Lawyers can provide guidance and ensure you understand your rights. We’re here to assist with your legal needs.
This article provides general legal information only and should not be construed as legal advice. Laws and their interpretation may change, and the application of law to specific circumstances requires professional legal assessment. If you have questions about a legal matter, please contact us for a free consultation.
