The John Howard Society says the temporary closure of the visiting room at HMP is another example of the larger concern surrounding the need to replace the aging facility.

Cindy Murphy is hopeful that video conferencing can be set up for inmates while mould remediation is underway, but, she says, that doesn’t replace the importance to inmates of face-to-face meetings with loved ones and support people.

“This just speaks to so many problems at Her Majesty’s Penitentiary, they just go on and on…they’re not able to be remedied in any significant way. The infrastructure is just beyond its usefulness…there’s got to be some movement on a new prison. ”

The Department of Justice says video conferencing is being set up for inmates, but there’s no word on how long the visitation room will be closed.

Murphy laments that even if a replacement for HMP were announced today, a new facility would still be four to five years out.