Construction completed on B.C.’s largest correctional centre

Plenary Justice has completed construction of the $200-million Okanagan Correctional Centre (OCC), on time and on budget. The new OCC facility is the cornerstone of the largest capital expansion in the history of BC Corrections.

Following system testing and on-site staff training, BC Corrections expects to begin moving inmates into the 29,500-square-metre, high-security facility early next year. The centre will house both male and female, remanded and sentenced inmates, with one of its 11 living units exclusively for women.

“This project demonstrates exemplary partnering between the Province of British Columbia, the Osoyoos Indian Band and Plenary Justice Okanagan to achieve a first-of-its-kind infrastructure project that will provide a template for future First Nations PPPs and improve the economic future of a region,” said Mike Marasco, CEO Plenary Concessions.

OCC, British Columbia’s 10thprovincial correctional centre, stands in the Senkulmen Business Park, off Highway 97 just north of Oliver. As a result of an historic partnership between the Province of B.C. and the Osoyoos Indian Band, OCC is the first B.C. correctional centre to be located on a First Nation’s land.

Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Morris –

“The completion of OCC is a win for all British Columbians. It expands, yet again, the capacity of BC Corrections to safely manage inmates, deliver programming that helps to curb reoffending, and contribute to the safety of our communities. As a modern, high-security centre, it will also support the safety of its staff and the surrounding area. Thanks to both the Osoyoos Indian Band and builders Plenary Justice for their vision, commitment, and partnership with us, which have contributed so much to public safety in B.C. and to the economy of the South Okanagan.”