Modern Correctional Facility Supports Public Safety

The official opening in Yarmouth of Nova Scotia's newest correctional facility marks the continuing shift toward modern design and safety features that ensure the best protection for the public, correctional employees and inmates.

Justice Minister Michael Baker, Natural Resources Minister Richard Hurlburt and Correctional Services superintendent Rocky Partridge joined municipal officials Mayor Charles Crosby and Warden Chris Perry today, March 1, to mark the opening of the $8- million Southwest Nova Scotia Correctional Facility.

The complex replaces a correctional centre built before Confederation. It will hold up to 38 offenders who serve sentences of less than two years and will employ 30 people.

"Our investment in a safe and secure facility shows that our government takes its commitment to public safety seriously," said Mr. Baker.

"This follows the construction of ultra-modern safety systems at the Central Nova Scotia Correctional Facility in Burnside in 2001. Not only does the Yarmouth facility enhance public safety, but its construction spinoffs and the permanent correctional jobs support the economies of Yarmouth and southwest Nova Scotia."

"We are very pleased to be here today to assist in opening the much-needed correctional facility," said Mr. Crosby. "The town and the Municipality of the District of Yarmouth teamed up to purchase and give the land to the province. The fact that we have the new facility and increased employment is a measure of what can be accomplished by governments working together toward a common goal."

Offenders will move into the new facility starting April 1.

The Municipality of the District of Yarmouth, under terms of the original agreement with the province, has the right of first refusal when it comes to future ownership of the old correctional centre.