NEW REGINA CORRECTIONAL FACILITY ANNOUNCED

Saskatchewan residents will see increased safety and security measures as a result of today's announcement by the provincial government of its intention to replace the 1913 portion of the Regina Provincial Correctional Centre (RPCC).

"Our duty and responsibility is to ensure the safety of Saskatchewan people and communities by adopting an effective corrections approach," Corrections and Public Safety Minister Peter Prebble said. "That approach requires a facility that balances necessary supervision and controls with effective programs to help offenders regain their place in the community as productive citizens."

The cost of the new facility will be $40.7 million. It will have a total of 216 beds, distributed as follows:

· a 144-bed remand unit;

· 48 high-security beds;

· 12 medium-security beds; and

· 12 medical beds.

It will include a health care outpatient clinic, an inmate admission/discharge area with vehicle sally-port, and a visiting area. An interim administration building will also be constructed.

The oldest part of RPCC, more than 90 years old, is considered inadequate by a number of key stakeholders. A new facility will provide better security, working conditions and safety for staff, inmates and visitors. In the new facility, staff will be able to more closely monitor inmate activity, and interact more with inmates. This will help control and reduce violence, gang activity and escape attempts.

"A new facility will allow the corrections system to provide more effective programming for inmates and support other successful, targeted crime reduction strategies, such as the Regina Auto Theft Strategy," Prebble said. "This is an important, lasting project with construction beginning during our 2005 Centennial year. It will help ensure that all Saskatchewan residents are well served by our corrections system into our second century."

Construction is expected to be complete in 2008. This project could generate up to 358 person-years of work in the construction industry. Another 75 to 100 jobs could be created in the supply and service industry, with significant long-term economic benefits.

Design planning will begin immediately, in consultation with key stakeholders, including staff, First Nations Elders and Aboriginal representatives, police services and inmate advocacy groups.

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For More Information, Contact:

Bill Derby Corrections and Public Safety Regina Phone: (306) 787-5883