Province Moves Forward with New Correctional Facility

A new 100-cell correctional facility will service Cumberland, Colchester, Pictou, Antigonish, Guysborough and Richmond counties, Justice Minister Ross Landry announced today, Dec. 1.

A thorough business case to review the proposed construction of one or more correctional facilities is complete and government will move forward with building a facility to meet the province's needs. It will cost about $31.3 million.

"We all know our province is in a tight financial situation that requires government to make tough, strategic decisions. This is a decision that makes sense," said Mr. Landry. "By building one facility, we will save at least $5.5 million in construction costs and $1.7 million every year in operating costs. This is extra money the province just doesn't have for a second facility at this time."

In the months ahead, government will chose an appropriate site to serve the counties taking in to account cost efficiency, proximity to the busiest courts, 100-series highways and necessary amenities and services.

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

The new facility will create about 70 new jobs.

Government will proceed with site selection and complete the design of the facility. Construction will begin soon after, pending 2010-11 budget approval.