The Toronto South Detention Centre (“TSDC”) was built to replace the Don Jail and the Mimico Detention Centre, which was located on the site. The new detention centre followed the direct supervision model of offender management.

The 710,000 square foot TSDC is an all male, maximum security remand facility which includes 1,650 beds for adult inmates housed in three towers; a 320-bed Intermittent Centre for weekend offenders, an infirmary for medical care
including the occasional non-life threatening emergency treatments, routine radiology services, dental service, a food preparation building and laundry facilities and a central utilities plant. A location for non-denominational worship was included in the scope, along with an aboriginal centre for the observance of native ceremonies and activities by native inmates.

This 10 building complex was constructed using structural precast concrete as well as architectural precast concrete panels on structural steel. The interior features include natural light throughout the staff administration areas.
Reclaimed brick walls were taken from the existing buildings on-site, and reused to acknowledge the Mimico brick works that also previously occupied the site.

The mechanical features include a central utilities plant, nine separate mechanical rooms, over 47 air handling units including a smoke control system which is also used to deal with tear gas and pepper spray events. The electrical
system included two bi–fuel backup generators, a state-of-the-art building automation system, programmable lighting controls and an extensive electronic security system.