February 11, 2014
Province Announces Request for Proposals for New Dauphin Correctional Facility
– – –Increased Capacity Means Safer Work Environment, Better Programming: Minister Swan
Following the announcement last year that Dauphin had been chosen as the location for a new provincial correctional facility, the province is issuing a request for proposals as the next step, Justice Minister Andrew Swan announced today.
“We’re following through with our commitment to build a new correctional facility in Dauphin,” said Minister Swan. “The new facility will offer a better and safer environment for correctional officers to do their work. It will mean reduced health and safety risks for both employees and inmates.”
He noted the capacity for the new facility will be 180 beds, adding this increased capacity will ease pressures on jails in Brandon and The Pas, allowing them to enhance mental-health programming and skills training.
“More capacity in our corrections system allows for better programming such as jobs training and education,” said the minister. “We know that when we equip people with good life skills they are less likely to reoffend, bringing down recidivism rates.”
The construction of a new correctional facility was a recommendation of the Adult Corrections Capacity Review Committee report. The land selected for the construction of the new correctional centre is being provided to the province by the City of Dauphin and the Rural Municipality of Dauphin.
In addition to the request for proposals, Minister Swan will also be undertaking consultations with residents around the site of the future facility to listen to the community’s vision of the Dauphin correctional centre, as well as with other stakeholders. These consultations will take place throughout the year.
“This is good news for Dauphin,” said Municipal Government Minister Stan Struthers. “Not only does it mean better facilities and a safer work environment, it also means good jobs for the community.”
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