News Release Archive
JUSTICE-AIR QUALITY BEING TESTED ----------------------------------------------------------------- The annex at the Halifax Correctional Centre has been closed due to air quality concerns. Testing is ongoing, but to ensure the safety of staff and offenders, the unit will remain closed until air quality concerns are fully addressed. The unit is used to house offenders serving intermittent sentences, those who are on day parole or temporary absence inmates. These offenders have undergone a risk assessment in order to be eligible for administrative release programs. It is a requirement that these offenders are housed separately from the general offender population. While the unit is closed, offenders will be housed in a segregated area of the Halifax Correctional Centre, half-way houses in the community, or they will be placed on administrative release or house arrest. Transfers to other institutions will also be arranged should space requirements warrant it. Testing is being conducted by the Department of Transportation and Public Works, with results expected next week. The problem was discovered when maintenance was being carried out on the unit. It is expected that approximately 40 offenders will be affected. -30- Contact: Michele McKinnon 902-424-6811 trp Feb. 21, 1997 - 10 a.m.