Location north of Oliver chosen as best site for BC Prison

The Province has selected the OIB’s proposed site, in the Senkulmen Enterprise Park on Highway 97 north of Oliver as the preferred location for a new Okanagan correctional centre. “This project has the potential to bring incredible economic benefits to the South Okanagan and greater public safety for communities, correctional staff and inmates across our province,” said Premier Christy Clark. “We look forward to working in partnership with the Osoyoos Indian Band to complete a detailed business plan as the next step in moving this project forward.” The project will create up to 500 direct and 500 indirect jobs. On completion, the centre will provide the equivalent of 240 new, full-time positions and will more than double corrections capacity in B.C.’s Interior. After a thorough evaluation of sites proposed by two communities and two bands, BC Corrections selected the industrial park as the best location for the 360-cell facility. Key considerations included project costs, zoning, environmental impacts, accessibility to major transportation routes and the projected completion date. “The high-security, state-of-the-art centre we envision continues the record investments we are making in the corrections system,” said Shirley Bond, Minister of Public Safety, Solicitor General and Attorney General. “We are currently completing the $185-million Phase 1 expansion plan and today’s announcement begins the next phase. The Okanagan correctional centre will add new cells and more corrections officers and will go a long way toward addressing capacity needs in the system.” “Today’s welcome news reflects well on the strength of the business case we presented and the confidence we and the Province feel in each other as partners in this significant project,” said Chief Clarence Louie, Chief Executive Officer, Osoyoos Indian Band. “Our band owns the most businesses per capita of any First Nation in Canada, which makes us a major economic driver in our region. This project will only build on our history of success.”