Prison News

Written by Glen Morrison Tuesday, 08 March 2011 15:18107.5 KISSFM

Photo: Correctional facility conceptual design

A time and place have been set for Lumby residents to hear from provincial reps on a prison concept.  A meeting will be held March 23rd, 7PM in the Charles Bloom Secondary gym. Mayor Kevin Acton says it's best to get the information from those who have the answers.  "Right now it looks like I'm just (talking about) the good things (a prison would bring the village) and leaving out the negative things, so at this meeting people will have a chance to talk directly to someone from the ministry."
Acton doesn't want to be seen as a cheerleader. Meantime, Spallumcheen mayor Will Hansma has been getting feedback on his idea of bidding on the facility if Lumby voters say no in a referendum April 30th.  Hansma tells KISS FM, "Support out here is pretty strong. I was really surprised. I haven't had anyone come and say they're not in favour except one lady who didn't like the idea, but she didn't know what it meant, or where it was supposed to go."  Hansma says perhaps his township should have got in the process sooner.  There's also interest in the South Okanagan for the 360 cell minimum security remand facility.  Penticton is looking at three sites, Summerland has five, and Oliver is considering making a bid.