The Kennedy House, aka Kennedy Youth Detention Centre, aka St. John's Training School for Boys, housed orphans, Children's Aid Society referrals, juvenile delinquents, physically and perceptually challenged children, and children of broken or poor homes.
1,200 former residents of St. John's and St. Joseph's (similiar facility in Ottawa that shut down in 1970) reported being neglected, physically, and/or sexually abused by former operators, The Christian Brothers, during the 1940's to the 1970's. An investigation by the OPP filed 200 charges against 30 people. Charges ranged from indecent assault, assault causing bodily harm,and sodomy.
The Christian Brothers later signed a $23 million reconciliation agreement. In 2004, the Ontario Government apologized to the abused former residents.
(above was taken from OntarioAbandonedPlaces.com)
This building is scheduled to be torn down next month. This was my last chance to document this historic site.
