NEW BUILDING TO ADDRESS OVERCROWDING AT PINE GROVE

The Government of Saskatchewan is providing $12 million over two years for the design and construction of a new pre-engineered building at the Pine Grove Correctional Centre in Prince Albert.

The Ministry of Corrections, Public Safety and Policing has identified a shortage of bed space at the only secure provincial correctional centre for women.

"This expansion project will go a long way to address overcrowding in our facilities," Corrections, Public Safety and Policing Minister D.F. (Yogi) Huyghebaert said. "The addition of new bed space will create a safer and more secure environment for staff, inmates and visitors."

The Pine Grove Correctional Centre was built in the mid 1960's to house 63 inmates and currently has an average daily inmate count of 120. The addition of 32 cells will provide a much needed response to safely manage current and future projected inmate counts.

The project is expected to cost $12 million over two years, with $7 million approved immediately for the 2011-12 fiscal year.

The new unit will be a separate building located within the existing perimeter of the facility and is scheduled for completion in March 2013.

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For more information, contact:

Linsay Rabyj
Corrections, Public Safety and Policing
Regina
Phone: 306-787-2626