Released on June 19, 2009
A new 90 bed dormitory was officially opened at the Saskatoon Provincial Correctional Centre this afternoon. This marks the first expansion of bed space in Adult Corrections since the late 1980's.
The joint project between the Ministry of Corrections, Public Safety and Policing and the Ministry of Government Services was designed as a short-term solution for low-risk inmates to alleviate the severe shortage of bed space at the existing facility.
"This project reflects our government's commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all our province's citizens," Corrections, Public Safety and Policing Minister Yogi Huyghebaert said. "By investing in facilities such as this one, we are not only ensuring that offenders are housed securely, but we're also providing opportunities for them to learn new skills and behaviours which will help reduce their risk of re-offending."
The three identical units in the dormitory style accommodations can each house up to 30 low-risk inmates. The dormitory will also help provide additional space for programming services.
The long term plan for the Saskatoon Provincial Correctional Centre includes adding more secure custody remand cells, and eventually converting this new dormitory into a replacement for the Urban Camp facility.
The total cost of this new facility is $5.5 million.
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For more information, contact:
Andrew Dinsmore
Corrections, Public Safety and Policing
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6043
Email: andrew.dinsmore@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-536-5898