Environmental Assessment Proceeding Potential Sites for New Correctional Facility

A rigorous selection process for Nova Scotia's new correctional facility has narrowed the search to three potential sites.

The following sites will undergo a phase one environmental assessment:

• Addington Forks, Antigonish Co., on the south side of Highway 104.
• Debert, Colchester Co., 1677 Plains Rd.
• Thorburn, Pictou Co., on the north side of Highway 104, adjacent to Exit 26.

"Taking into account the business case, geography, construction qualities, financial implications and history of a piece of land for a large-scale infrastructure project such as this is no small task," said Justice Minister Ross Landry. "After an extensive search of about 80 provincially and municipally owned properties, these three sites have risen to the top."

Building one 100-cell facility, compared with two 50-cell facilities, will save the province about $5.5 million in construction costs and $1.7 million every year in operating costs. The new facility will also create about 70 new jobs.

The correctional facility will service Cumberland, Colchester, Pictou, Antigonish, Guysborough and Richmond counties and will relieve future pressures from other correctional facilities in Nova Scotia.

It replaces the aging Antigonish and Cumberland correctional facilities, which were built in 1948 and 1890 respectively.

"We are moving forward to create a facility that will create new jobs and better serve Nova Scotia's justice system for many years to come," said Mr. Landry. "This is not a project to be rushed. Being diligent in this process is the right decision for Nova Scotians."