The public outcry for tougher sanctions against youth crime prompted the Tory Government to come up with a "get tough" solution. The result was Project Turnaround, located north of Barrie. Project Turnaround was Ontario's first private sector strict discipline / boot camp facility. The facility offered a secure custody program for high risk male young offenders between 16 and 18. The facility began accepting 'guests' sometime in July 1997.

Encourage Youth Corporation (EYC) was awarded the contract to operate the facility. They were able to operate the facility at an average daily rate of $214 per inmate, compared to $331 in the publicly run systems.

The rules were strict. Teenagers were up by 6 AM, schooled from 8 AM until noon and then received vocational training all afternoon.
They were required to participate in life skill programs, exercise drills three times daily and no television was permitted.

The camp had a farm in which the youths grew crops and vegatables for other local facilities.

A mould outbreak in several buildings in February of 2003, forced the 'temporary' closure and removal of guests at the facility. With a new government in place, and the contract with the private operator (worth about $2.5 million a year) expiring January 31, 2004 the camp closed up shop.

Camp Turnaround is located 20 miles from Barrie on Moonstone Road between the communities of Hillsdale and Coldwater.