January 11, 2013
Province to Build New Jail in Dauphin: Swan
DAUPHIN—Manitoba has selected the site for a new correctional centre to replace the Dauphin Correctional Centre, which is nearly 100 years old, Justice Minister Andrew Swan announced here today.
The exact size of the new facility has not been determined, but planning is underway and it will have a higher-rated capacity than the current facility, said Swan.
“We’re following through with our commitment to build a new correctional facility in Dauphin,” the minister said. “The new building will provide enhanced space for programming and, as was the case with the new Women’s Correctional Centre, this new facility will offer a better and safer environment for corrections officers to do their work.”
The land selected for the construction of the new correctional centre is being donated to the province by the City of Dauphin and the Rural Municipality of Dauphin.
“We’re pleased the provincial government has selected a site for the new correctional facility to be built in Dauphin,” said Mayor Eric Irwin. “The new facility will provide a better environment for the rehabilitation of inmates as well as new employment opportunities for residents of Dauphin and the surrounding area.”
The construction of a new correctional facility was a recommendation of the Adult Corrections Capacity Review Committee report. The work of the committee will help to inform the future planning of the justice system, said Swan.
“I’d like to thank the Adult Corrections Capacity Review Committee for their work. They’ve provided us with helpful advice on where to focus our efforts in terms of reducing the number of individuals entering the corrections system and reducing recidivism through support for community integration.”
The rate of mental illness among inmates was identified as an area of concern by the review committee. In the months ahead, Manitoba Justice will be working with stakeholders on enhanced mental-health programming, Swan said.
He said Manitoba Justice will also create an advisory group to inform future planning for correctional facility construction, adding the group will focus on creating safer work environments for staff and ensuring that time spent in corrections facilities is focused on providing inmates with the tools they need to succeed in the community upon release.
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