BC Corrections said impacted on-site service providers, including the John Howard Society, will be consulted as design plans for the new Nanaimo Correctional Centre are formed. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

Jail consultations

Service providers will be consulted in design of new Nanaimo Correctional Centre

Jun 21, 2019 | 9:24 AM

NANAIMO — BC Corrections has vowed service providers at the Nanaimo Correctional Centre will be consulted as the province follows through on a nearly $160 million commitment to replace the aging jail.

“All groups have been kept informed at key stages during the process, including the recent funding approval decision, and will continue to be engaged at appropriate times during the project,” a statement from BC Corrections said.

One of those groups is the Nanaimo Region John Howard Society, which delivers the highly regarded 50-bed Guthrie Therapeutic Community program for those battling substance abuse.

Local Society executive director John McCormick said it’s unclear how much of a stake they’ll have in designing a new-look Guthrie House as part of the new jail. The program is designed to treat inmates for between four and 12 months. An estimated 1,000 prisoners have enrolled in the program throughout its 12-year history.

“As contract service providers we have a very clear role to run the program and focus on that, but if we’re invited to participate we’d be happy to do so,” McCormick said.

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Regardless, replacing the 66-year-old former youth reform school with a purpose-built facility will be a big improvement for staff and Guthrie House residents.

“It’s going to help with the staff interaction with clients, which is terrific,” McCormick said. “The program is highly intensive, so operationally we want to be able to work as efficiently as possible.”

The 50-bed Guthrie Therapeutic Community will be located as part of the Nanaimo Correctional Centre, it’s just unclear how the renowned program will be designed. (Ministry of Public Safety)

The Ministry of Public Safety said the new jail will also have 12 rooms for women in short-term custody, while space for educational programs run by VIU will be built.

The Ministry also stated a specialized area for staff to work with inmates with complex mental health needs will be established.

The new medium security jail will be built on land beside the existing site on Biggs Rd. and is slated to maintain its 190-room capacity.

Site clearing should begin this summer and the new Nanaimo Correctional Centre is anticipated to open in 2023.

The province said the design process has not begun.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes