January 15, 1999
(Justice)

Topsail Road location for new youth remand centre on hold

Justice Minister Paul Dicks announced today that in view of concerns expressed by parents of children at the Newfoundland School for the Deaf, any further consideration of the Topsail Road site as the location for a proposed new youth remand centre is on hold.

Mr. Dicks said he will work with Works, Services and Transportation Minister Rick Woodford to identify alternate sites for the facility.

"The department recognizes that replacement of the Pleasantville Youth Centre is required and every effort will be made to find an appropriate site that will meet the needs of both the residents and the community," said the minister.

In her 1996 report to government, Dr. Linda Inkpen recommended that the existing facility at Pleasantville be replaced as soon as possible. The 1998 budget allocated $300,000 to complete the planning and design phase for a new youth remand centre.

Media contact: Lynn Barter, Communications, (709) 729-0084.

1999 01 15 4:20 p.m.