Our office received reports that inmates were being kept in unsanitary conditions in North Fraser Pretrial Centre (NFPC). Inmates raised concerns that the segregation area was in an unacceptable state. We were told that some cells were infested with rodents and piles of uncollected garbage. Inmates complained that they were not provided with adequate supplies to clean their individual cells. Inmates also reported they had been unable to shower on a regular basis and were denied access to clean clothing.

As part of our investigation, a decision was made to conduct an unannounced site visit to North Fraser Pretrial Centre in the Fall of 2021 to investigate the allegations and inspect first-hand the realities of incarceration at NFPC.

During the visit, the team noted that in general living quarters at NFPC appeared to be clean and the cells where inmates sleep were free of biohazards. The majority of the inmates interviewed did not raise significant concerns about the living conditions. Based on what the team observed and the records they reviewed, there appeared to be adequate cleaning schedules and training in place. The only cells they observed to be in a state of uncleanliness were vacant cells that were in the process of being cleaned.

However, despite the generally clean state of the centre, the team found inadequacies in rodent abatement. Inmates reported that rodents routinely passed through common areas and accessed individual cells. The team observed towels and makeshift screens laid across the base of cell and storage room doors, to prevent rodent transit. One inmate described being bitten by a rat while he slept a few nights prior. The team found that there was a longstanding rodent infestation at NFPC and the measures put in place to address the problem did not address the issue effectively.

The team identified problematic practices with respect to cell cleaning and disinfecting when inmates are transferred. Two inmates, who were unit cleaners, said that on occasion they observed new inmates placed in cells that had not been adequately cleaned and sanitized.

We asked NFPC to commit to securing the services of a pest control contractor with the capacity to bring NFPC to an acceptable standard. Based on pest mitigation reports we received, we proposed that NFPC employ the services of a general contractor/structural maintenance provider to fulfill pest control recommendations involving sealing and other mitigation work. While we recognized that the centre is located in an industrial area, it remains a 24-hour living and working environment for hundreds of people sharing a confined space and the conditions of confinement should be reasonably free of rodents, and help to prevent the spread of disease.

We proposed that NFPC develop a new practice for ensuring that a staff member thoroughly inspect each cell and certifies its cleanliness prior to placing an inmate in it. This inspection should check for cleanliness and biohazards in all locations within a cell, particularly those not immediately visible from the doorway such as under beds and mattresses. This process should include a method of recording individual cell inspections and biohazard cleaning.

NFPC accepted the proposals and we have determined that all actions have been completed. As such, we
considered the matter settled and closed our file. The Ombudsperson appreciates NFPC leadership’s candor, cooperation, and engagement during this investigation and their commitment to resolving the problems identified. These aspects of the centre’s operation will be reviewed during future site visits.