All the papers have been signed, timelines are on-target and local workers are being hired to begin construction activities on the new Okanagan Correctional Centre (OCC). 

The B.C. government and Plenary Justice, the private partner for the OCC project, have signed a $192.9-million fixed-price, performance-based agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, Plenary Justice will design, build and partially finance the construction, and provide facilities management services for the OCC for the next 30 years.

Now that the contract is in place, boots are on the ground to prepare the land for the OCC’s construction activities. Workers are removing the top layer of earth from the future construction zone, erecting fencing and ensuring environmental protections are in place for the local habitat and wildlife. Blueprints of the OCC building are in the final stages of design.

Construction is on schedule for this state-of-the-art correctional facility. Major construction activities are expected to begin in August, with completion anticipated in fall 2016.

The Province also has worked in partnership with the Osoyoos Indian Band (OIB) to expand and realign roads and services such as water, sewage, gas and geothermal, for the Senkulmen Business Park project site in order to accommodate the new correctional centre. This work stems from a contract signed with the OIB last February, which lays out the details of the land lease and utilities service for a 60-year period, plus an option for an additional 20 years.

The OCC will provide a boost to the local economy and create family-supporting jobs, generating approximately 1,000 indirect and direct jobs during construction. Following the project’s completion, over 240 new, full-time correctional positions will open up in B.C.’s Interior.

The high-security, 378-cell OCC will serve as the flagship of the second phase of government’s historic capital expansion plan for BC Corrections. The $185-million first phase of the plan, which is now complete, added 340 cells to B.C.’s capacity, delivering on government’s commitment to reduce correctional capacity pressures and enhance public safety in B.C.

Quotes:

Suzanne Anton, Attorney General and Minister of Justice -

“Reaching a final agreement with Plenary Justice to deliver the Okanagan Correctional Centre project is a catalyst for positive economic spinoffs and the creation of 1,000 direct and indirect jobs for the South Okanagan region. The construction schedule for this modern, high-security correctional centre remains on track, reflecting our government’s pledge to ease capacity pressures and build safer, stronger communities.”

Michael Marasco, CEO of Plenary Concessions and senior executive with the Plenary Group -  

“The Plenary Justice team is excited to begin our local hiring and launch construction work on this critical piece of infrastructure. We are committed to delivering the Okanagan Correctional Centre on time and on budget, and British Columbians can be assured our track record of finding innovation and sustainable solutions for public infrastructure and providing excellent value for taxpayer dollars will continue.”

Quick Facts:

• Plenary Justice was announced as the preferred proponent for this project on Jan. 10, 2014, following an extensive evaluation of three teams that were shortlisted and invited to submit proposals.
• The OCC will be designed to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification - an international recognition of efficient, sustainable building strategies and practices.
• The B.C. government selected the 14.5-hectare (36-acre) site in the Senkulmen Business Park on OIB land as the best location for the new facility after a thorough evaluation of sites proposed by two communities and two bands. The site is located seven kilometres north of Oliver on Highway 97.
• The partnership to build the new correctional centre on OIB land is the first such partnership between BC Corrections and a First Nation in British Columbia.

Learn More:

BC Corrections: http://www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/corrections/

Plenary Justice: http://plenarygroup.com/

Osoyoos Indian Band: http://oibdc.ca/

The selection of Plenary Justice as the preferred proponent for the OCC: http://bit.ly/1kjGbk2

The historic partnership agreement between government and the OIB: http://bit.ly/Kzdi2O

Media Contacts:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Justice
250 213-3602