News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government plans to construct a $32-million correctional centre in the Fredericton region.

The facility will include five units, each containing 20 beds, plus nine segregation and admissions cells. The design will be based on the Dalhousie Regional Correctional Centre.

“Our system is stretched,” said Justice and Public Safety Minister and Attorney General Hugh J. Flemming. “As of mid-October, our correctional system was at capacity with 498 adult males in custody.

“More to the point, crimes requiring incarceration have been trending up, including trafficking, production and distribution of controlled substances. Our government committed $2.3 million to support the RCMP crime reduction unit with the goal of reducing the illegal drug supply in the province and $2 million to create a Safer Communities Program to complement the crime reduction unit.”

The 2022-23 capital budget includes $2.5 million for planning and design work and land acquisition. Construction is expected to begin in the 2023-24 fiscal year.

“Transportation and Infrastructure will work closely with the Department of Justice and Public Safety to build the right facility for their needs,” said Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Jill Green. “This project is one example of how my department assists other areas of government.”