Okanagan Correctional Centre

Plenary delivered the state-of-the-art Okanagan Correctional Centre for the B.C. Government.

The high-security facility is approximately 29,000 square meters in total area, including 11 living units and 378 cells, and is the centerpiece of the second phase capital expansion plan for B.C. Corrections.

The new Okanagan Correctional Centre will significantly increase corrections capacity in B.C.’s Interior and will enhance public safety for communities, correctional staff and inmates throughout the province.

Under the public-private partnership agreement, Plenary Justice designed, built, financed and will maintain and operate the new centre over a 30-year operating term.

Design features

The facility has been designed to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification – an international recognition of efficient, sustainable building strategies and practices.

In keeping with the Province’s Wood First Act, the building incorporates wood products where possible.

Innovations

The new facility has been constructed on First Nation land, owned by the Osoyoos Indian Band. Under a 60-year, $10.8 million land lease agreement, with an option to extend for an additional 20 years.

Consideration of BC’s First Nations was an important part of the planning for the facility. First Nations individuals who are in custody have access to a variety of unique spiritual and cultural services.

Specific services may include sweat lodge ceremonies, individual and group counselling services, healing, sharing and talking circles. Cultural teaching is also provided so that offenders become aware of their cultural heritage by learning how to pray, smudge, sage, and sing traditional songs.

Local economic impacts

The construction of the project provided a boost to the local economy and created family-supporting jobs, generating approximately 1,000 direct and indirect jobs during construction and more than 240 new, full-time correctional positions will become available now that the centre is complete.

Plenary Justice committed to ensuring that the local economy benefits from this project. A number of business-to-business meetings and information sessions were held in Oliver and Osoyoos to help local contractors and trades understand the P3 requirements and prepare for the procurement of subcontracts.

During construction, Plenary Justice continued to inform the community to ensure they continued to benefit from the facility.