A lady I know fairly well approached me on the street a few days ago with some questions and concerns about the correctional facility.

I want to represent her views carefully and honestly but in doing that I have to say to all – research first, read as much as you can before expressing opinions that appear to be sharp contrast to most views. The elected people in Osoyoos, OIB, and Oliver believe this is a win-win for the South Okanagan. It will be built.

The concern was two fold – a new road being constructed off Tuc-el-Nuit Drive and the type of people that will be coming to visit with us (inside the prison). The statement made that the full story is not being told.

I challenge that statement –  I think most concerns have been addressed.

The road is of concern in a number of ways – changes to habitat and increase in traffic. Both are understandable concerns. The BC government is constructing the road, protecting the habitat and adding land to the east side of the road park area. The roadway is designed as a back door entrance for emergency crews and staff.  (All emergency services; police, fire, and ambulance would use this access).This is not believed to add a lot of traffic to an arterial roadway connecting to the Highway at both ends.

The main entrance to the jail, we are told, is on Enterprise Way in Senkulmen Business Park off Highway 97 (Staff living north of prison, inmates and sheriffs going to court, visitors would use this access.)

To the types of people who would be housed here: people – women and men. Those sentenced to 2 years less a day and those persons charged with an offence that require incarceration and have not been sentenced. That means some dangerous people will be housed here prior to a judge pronouncing a sentence but the number is limited by the jurisdiction (catchment area) – meaning Vernon south to the border and Similkameen.

Most persons charged are released on bail. The people of Oliver most likely will never see a prisoner or inmate and dangerous people are held in tight security. Family members are unlikely to move here with an average inmate stay at about 100 days.

A public open house (Q and A) will be held by Corrections BC in October – prepare you questions – now or later. I would like to hear of any concerns.