June 19, 1999
(Justice)

Location for new Youth Remand Centre confirmed

The Department of Justice confirmed today that government has completed a detailed analysis of possible sites for the location of the new Youth Remand Centre to replace the existing facility in Pleasantville. Based on a set of objective criteria, including accessibility to services, distance from the Court and police services, availability of transportation for parent visitation, and the condition and topography of the ground, the parcel of land, east of the College of the North Atlantic campus on Ridge Road, is believed to be an ideal location for the youth facility.

The department also confirmed that a consultant team has been working on this project since late 1998 and the planning phase is now ready for stakeholder group consultations. The government is committed to meeting with area residents on this proposal and will carefully consider all suggestions and recommendations that the residents may have.

The design and construction of the facility will be of the highest security standards while contemporary in nature and will not have the appearance of a correctional facility. The intended use of the property is consistent with the Pippy Park land use mandate.

Discussions are now underway with the College of the North Atlantic and the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University, as well as preliminary discussions with municipal officials. A date and location for the neighbourhood consultation will be announced shortly. At the consultation officials from both the municipal and provincial government will be available to answer questions.

The announcement of the proposed new site follows the 1996 report of Dr. Linda Inkpen which recommended the replacement of the existing facility in Pleasantville. The 1999 budget has allocated $1.8 million for the completion of the facility design and commencement of construction this year.

Media Contact: Marvin McNutt, (709) 685-2479.

1999 06 19 9:30 a.m.