When Collins Bay Institution was opened in 1930 the main construction material used in that period of time was local lime stone, some of it quarried from the surrounding area. The turrets surrounding the towers were all constructed from lime stone blocks and they were incorporated in the towers as cover should the prison come under gun fire. These were very heavy blocks of stone placed around the tower circling the guard post within. After many years of being exposed to the elements the limestone began to break down. Such was the case in my time on the Inside. Bits and pieces and even large chunks of limestone would fall from the tower and could be seen littering the ground around the perimeter. The mortar became unstable and the structural integrity of the tower was challenged. Many officers were fearful to walk around the bottom of the tower because of the falling debris and those inside the tower would not venture out after seeing the cracks and gaps in the mortar pin the walkway. A report was submitted to the management team of the institution concerning this matter. It was ignored. A formal complaint was issued through the Institutions Health and Safety Committee, but that too was ignored by the management team. Finally, a formal complain through Labour Canada was filled and a representative attended the Institution to perform an inspection. The inspector took one look at the condition of the towers and issued an order that they be abandon until repairs could be made. Additional mobile patrol vehicles were employed to replace the guard staff no longer posted to the towers because of the danger that staffing those posts presented. This is why today there are aluminum screens surrounding the tower posts rather than a limestone blocks.