The Don Jail

The front of this building is very dignified, and has held up nicely with the repairs that has taken place throughout the years. But upon entrance, I was very much let down.
Oh, this is a jail.
I remember my very first visit, and it was a pretty shabby experience from the getgo.
There’s no parking, I’m just here temporarily, so I would like for there to be adequate parking. I have never seen the guards here smile, which made it very intimidating.
I was introduced to a holding cell by the head of security, to which I was immediately appalled. The width of the cell is exactly one arms length, and the toilet was right at the head of the bed. I was relieved to see that there was bed space for only one, but I can imagine that becoming rather lonely overtime.
I don’t particularly enjoy using the head in plain view of the guards, but this could be considered a hipster thing to do, because it’s pretty rebellious, and totally not mainstream… yet.
Except for the green peas, I’ve never been able to discern the food items here from any identifiable ‘thing’. The scent of the canteen has never enticed my palate, and the line up for the abominable service is never a thing to look forward to.
The ambiance is cramped, and barely any natural sunlight. Anyone moving on the metal steps echoes through the facility, making it very difficult for me to concentrate.
Some of the old holding cells that no longer are in service are the size of a fridge. I couldn’t imagine how that would serve as a ‘correctional’ facility when those were actively used. Anyone would be driven mad after 24 hours in there.
My advice is to avoid the place.
Need improvement on parking!

I visit clients here at the Don Jail. If you are doing a professional visit you can get in failrly quickly. If you are a civilian you can wait for hours to see someone. Bridgepoint Health has refurbished the older jail to a conference centre and offices. The new part of the Jail will be torn down once the new «super» jail has opened in the west end and the inmates are transferred.