Why are there so many prisons in Kingston?
Jessica Wood
Updated on January 16, 2026
WHY ARE THERE SO MANY PENITENTIARIES IN KINGSTON? The province of Ontario has long been the most densely populated region of Canada. As a result, more prisons were built to accommodate higher crime rates. The expertise required to operate prisons and the inmate labour force required to build them was already here.
Does Kingston Ontario have a lot of prisons?
As of 2018, the Kingston area is home to 6 penitentiaries: Collins Bay Medium/Maximum Security. Collins Bay Minimum Security (formerly Frontenac)Which city in Canada has the most prisons?
Kingston: Canada's Penitentiary CityFor more than 170 years, Kingston has been associated with criminal treatment in Canada.