News release

Correctional, Forensic Facilities

Justice

The preferred site for the construction of a new correctional facility and a new forensic hospital is on 40 hectares (100 acres) between Marsh Lake and the Department of National Defence's rifle range off Highway 102.

The public is invited to attend two open houses and talk to officials from the departments of Justice and Health, the Nova Scotia Hospital, and other departments that are involved. The first open house is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 14, at the Hammonds Plains School, from 3:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. The second open house will be held Tuesday, Sept. 22, at the old Bedford Fire Hall, 1247 Bedford Highway, from 3:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Questions or requests for information can be directed to 1-800-278-5552.

During the site selection process, an interdepartmental committee examined 14 potential sites within Halifax Regional Municipality. Sites were evaluated on location, availability, acquisition and development costs, size and configuration, impact on operations, life cycle costs, zoning and expansion capability.

The Marsh Lake site met or exceeded all criteria. Proximity to the Nova Scotia Hospital, universities, courts and emergency services makes the site the most appropriate location for the new facilities.

Of the 40 hectares available, about 14 (35 acres) will be needed for the buildings, parking lots and driveways, allowing for maximum privacy and security. Specifications require that these facilities be on the site to maximize public safety and compatibility with the surrounding community.

Approximately 325 hectares (800 acres), including the area surrounding Jack Lake, will be designated for public recreational use. It is expected the correctional centre will continue its community service by enhancing the recreational area for greater community use.

Because of overcrowding and growing demands for forensic programming, an urgent need exists to replace the forensic unit at the Nova Scotia Hospital with a state-of-the-art facility. The new forensic hospital will allow staff to provide improved patient care, ensuring both patients and the public are better protected. The construction of a new correctional facility will help to address concerns relating to outdated facilities and overcrowding. With the construction of a larger, safer facility in Halifax Regional Municipality, congestion in the smaller institutions around the province will be reduced.

The correctional facility will have 272 beds, while the forensic hospital will have 84 beds. Construction is expected to cost about $35.7 million and should be complete by the fall of 2000.

In constructing the two facilities on the same site, there are opportunities to increase security and provide better programs and services to patients and offenders. Basic infrastructure such as laundry and heating will be shared, along with professional expertise.

The correctional facility will be staffed by public servants who report to the Department of Justice. The new hospital will continue to be operated by the Nova Scotia Hospital and funded by the Department of Health. Hospital staff will maintain their public service status.