CONSULTATION BEGINS ON NEW JAIL SITE

The general area of interest is shown on the map

VICTORIA – Solicitor General Rich Coleman has begun consultation with local governments in the Okanagan as part of the site selection process for a new 360-cell correctional facility in the area, to be completed by 2015. A new centre will address growing demand for inmate space in the region, reduce pressures on local police lockups, and improve access for lawyers, police, social services and families of those in custody. The centre will house all area remand inmates, so it should be centrally located to minimize travel times between the courts.Community support is a prerequisite to the ministry’s site selection process. To that end, BC Corrections staff are providing tours of existing facilities and meeting with local governments to discuss operational requirements. In order to meet the preferred timeline, the Solicitor General has asked for local governments’ feedback and recommendations by April 2011. 

Local governments, which have been asked to consult their communities and provide feedback, include the City of Enderby, the Township of Spallumcheen, the City of Armstrong, the City of Vernon, the District of Coldstream, the Village of Lumby, the District of Lake Country, the City of Kelowna, the District of Peachland, the District of Summerland, the City of Penticton, the Regional District of North Okanagan, the Regional District of Central Okanagan, the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen and the Okanagan Nation Alliance.