Her Majesty's Penitentiary (HMP), located in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada is the primary facility for housing medium and maximum security male prisoners in Newfoundland and Labrador. [1]
According to media reports, the name of the prison remains "Her Majesty's Penitentiary" as of September 2023, notwithstanding the death of Queen Elizabeth II and accession of King Charles III the previous year. [2] [3] [4]
The Victorian-era structure is among the oldest operating prisons in Canada and has been criticized for its conditions including rat infestation and mold. Construction of a new facility to replace it was announced in 2019 but the commencement of construction has been continually delayed. [5] Most recently, construction was to begin in the spring of 2023 and was to be completed within three years. [6]
HMP St. John's is the largest prison in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, by size and inmate population. Originally constructed in 1859, it houses primarily male offenders and has a capacity of 175 inmates. It is believed to be the oldest prison currently operating in Canada [7] since the closure of Ontario's Kingston Penitentiary, in September 2013. [8] Located in the Eastern district of St. John's, it is commonly referred to by locals as, Her Majesty's Hotel, or The Inn by the Lake, [9] due to its proximity to Quidi Vidi Lake, which hosts North America's oldest annual sporting event, the Royal St. John's Regatta.
Despite its age, HMP St. John's, has undergone extensive renovations and additions, that provide inmates with modern cells, common areas and amenities. [10] The province is responsible for the operation and administration of Newfoundland and Labrador's correctional service under the Department of Justice and Public Safety.
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