KINGSTON, ON - Joyceville Institution near Kingston remains in lock-down after a "major disturbance" by inmates Sunday.

Visits to the prison are cancelled after what started as a peaceful protest by inmates turned violent.

About 25 inmates barricaded the doors and damaged the prison building.

"The institution is currently in lockdown," said Lorrie Oddie, assistant warden of management services at Joyceville Institution.

"Right now, we are assessing the damage on that particular range and we are reviewing our next steps."

The protest started around 8 a.m. and was aimed at disrupting what prison official called "normal institutional operating routine."

Negotiations with the inmates continued through the morning.

"Unfortunately, in the afternoon, the inmates on that particular range decided to withdraw from those discussions," Oddie said.

After talks ended, inmates began barricading themselves using their cell furnishings, smashing windows, breaking cell furnishings and destroying video cameras. Oddie said there was also some flooding.

"At this point, we don't know the full extent of the damage," she said.

In the late afternoon, around 5:15 p.m., prison staff were able to return all 25 inmates to their cells.

No prison staff or inmates were injured, she added.
"We did involve our emergency response team," Oddie said. "Chemical agents were deployed and, ultimately, we did return them all successfully."

Oddie said the institution will re-open as soon as it is safe.

Those with previously scheduled visits are asked to contact the prison directly.