The Higgs government has announced plans for a $32-million correctional centre in the Fredericton region.
The 2022-23 capital budget allocates $2.5 million for planning and design work and land acquisition. Construction is expected to begin in the following fiscal year.
“Our system is stretched,” said Justice and Public Safety Minister and Attorney General Hugh J. Flemming in a news release.
“As of mid-October, our correctional system was at capacity with 498 adult males in custody.
“More to the point, crimes requiring incarceration have been trending up, including trafficking, production and distribution of controlled substances. Our government committed $2.3 million to support the RCMP crime reduction unit with the goal of reducing the illegal drug supply in the province and $2 million to create a Safer Communities Program to complement the crime reduction unit.”
Designed similarly to the Dalhousie Regional Correctional Centre, this facility will include five units, each containing 20 beds, plus nine segregation and admissions cells.
