A ribbon cutting, is a ribbon cutting, is a ribbon cutting.

In this case, it as the handing over of the keys which made it official.

We’ve all known for many years the Okanagan Correctional Centre was opening.

I’ve personally been on two tours-of-duty working with clients from The Painted Chair and have seen first hand in recent weeks how security has tightened up in anticipation of this day.

Today, a formal ceremony signalled the official opening of a correctional facility.

The event began with traditional singing by members of Osoyoos Indian Band. The correctional facility sits on OIB lands.

Honourable Mike Morris, British Columbia’s Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General, acted as MC for the event, which took place in front of the main entrance.

“I want to thank each and every one of the 300 people who are going to be working here to make this place of safety, of growth and of healing for the individuals who will be housed here. That’s the essence of this place,” said Boundary-Similkameen MLA Linda Larson. “The capacity, design, security features and technology all represent a step forward for safety. But OCC also represents a promise to those it will house. A promise to help them make productive use of their time in custody toward a better future on their return to their home communities.”

The many programs available at OCC will help sentenced offenders build life and job skills during their time of incarceration.

Inmates will benefit, and so will the local economy.

“The potential benefits of this facility will be shared across all who were involved here. This will include the inmates who will be given state of the art corrections support,” stated Town of Oliver Mayor Ron Hovanes. “New families will support our education and health services. New corrections employees have already started to be engaged in South Okanagan communities. Not only are they new, long-term employees, they are now your new neighbours, and they’re very likely to be your new friends.”

The partnership between Corrections and the Osoyoos Indian Band is also quite unique.

“This is the first (partnership) of its kind in Canada and has brought much-needed construction jobs to the region,” said Leona Baptiste, representing OIB Chief Clarence Louie. “We’re also very-much looking forward to the hundreds of permanent jobs in this facility to the Oliver and Osoyoos area. The positive economic impact has already been felt in the new careers and the new working families this facility will attract will benefit the South Okanagan for generations to come.”

The Okanagan Correctional Centre is now the biggest correctional facility in the Province.

Prior to accepting the keys to his new day home, OCC’s Warden Steve DiCastri had these words:

“We’re excited to open. More than 3,000 people from the communities are going to come and see us. We gave one phone number and the phone hasn’t stopped ringing day and night,” said Dicastri. “It was a good opportunity for them. I hope it sheds some light on the work our staff does and what they actually do once inmates come into our centre.

“Our staff will work very hard in our communities, be a part of the communities, and be good correctional officers. They are leaders and role models.”

Once the speeches had been given, the Colour Guard marched in carrying the keys to the facility, which Morris handed over to DiCastri.

After the formal event had concluded, Morris took time to answer media questions, and responded to concerns Oliver may be faced with an increase in crime. And an increase in policing costs.

“That’s a reality with the way policing works in the province. Any community, once it hits 5,000, is responsible for a greater share of the policing costs. That’s just something that comes with economic development,” stated Morris, a former member of the RCMP. “We’ll work with the community to make sure that the transition goes as smoothly as possible. If there’s an increase in files that may be associated to this, we’ll have to re-visit that down the road. Based on my experience as a police officer, I don’t see that happening.”

Meantime, truckloads of equipment and supplies continue be unloaded, and staff orientations continue – preparing for that day in February when inmates begin to fill the facility.

-Dale Cory