Surrey corrections centre expansion underway

SURREY - Construction of the new 216-cell expansion to the Surrey Pretrial Centre is officially underway.

Minister of Justice and Attorney General Shirley Bond was on hand today to witness cement pouring for the foundation of what will be B.C.'s largest provincial correctional centre.

The $90-million expansion project will create 200 to 250 jobs during the construction phase. Upon completion - expected late next year - the expansion will double the centre's current capacity and provide the equivalent of 130 new corrections positions.

Numerous innovations in design and surveillance, including state-of-the-art security systems, mean the facility, when operational, will provide a safer operating environment for both staff and inmates. In addition, the project is expected to attain Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification - the highest level of sustainability ever for a B.C. correctional facility.

The project is the centrepiece of the $185-million first phase of the Province's historic capital plan ...