Lumby and area residents appear to be divided about whether the community of 1,600 should pursue a minimum security correctional facility. 350 people packed an information meeting on the issue Tuesday night, and close to an equal number of the 40 people speakers spoke for and against it, although a few were admittedly "on the fence." Harvey Down feels the economic positives outweigh concerns about safety. "This is an opportunity for this town and area to have unbelievable growth and the only thing you have to fear is fear itself." Don Elzer would like to see other ideas pursued, and was skeptical of the meeting's purpose. "And that really is what this is all about. This is all about selling us on a prison and that makes me very nervous." 50 year resident Diane Blain supports it. "Everyone of these inmates that are in a prison are somebody's son or daughter and I believe they all deserve a second chance. I hope our community has an open heart to welcome whatever the citizen is." Mike Duzell feels just the opposite. "These aren't wonderful people. They've been locked up for a reason. I'm sure they all had a chance and they blew it. There's so much human misery and suffering and unhappiness. I don't want that negative energy in my town."
The crowd was told the facility would be for prisoners serving sentences mostly for crimes like B and E's, theft under $5000, drunk driving and for people on remand (waiting for trial or court dates) which could include more serious offences. 71 percent of the inmates would stay less than 30 days. The industrial park would be the most likely site with five acres needed but Mayor Kevin Acton says 3 or 4 sites are possible and the choice would be up to the province.
People at the meeting were polled on "Do you wish the village of Lumby to continue with exploring the possibility of a corrections centre?" and were asked where they lived. Acton and the rest of council met after the meeting and will announce Wednesday if they will continue to pursue the idea or perhaps hold a referendum on the issue. Several residents of Areas D and E outside Lumby spoke at the meeting that they too should be given a vote if a referendum is held, not just Lumby residents.
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