New Facility for Yarmouth

A new correctional facility will be built in Yarmouth County. Justice Minister Michael Baker announced today that the current facility -- built in 1862 -- will be replaced.

"To say the current structure is obsolete is an understatement," said Mr. Baker. "The current facility works well in a Charles Dickens novel, but is no longer appropriate for housing inmates."

The new facility will be constructed in the Yarmouth area. It will house up to 32 adult males sentenced to less than two years and those remanded to custody awaiting court appearances. John Dobbs and Associates will design the building, while the Department of Transportation and Public Works will act as project managers in consultation with Department of Justice staff. The building is expected to cost approximately $7 million. The current staff complement will double to 30.

"We have had a good relationship with the County of Yarmouth for 139 years now," said Mr. Baker. "This is good economic news for the area, and it's good news for corrections."

A site has not yet been determined. Discussions with municipal officials will begin immediately regarding the provision of appropriate land. Construction is expected to begin in the summer of 2002.

The new facility will be about 23,000 square feet and similar in design to the Burnside facility, which offers state-of-the-art safety and security features. It is expected to be operational by the fall of 2003.