July 20, 1999
(Justice)

Department announces site of new St. John's Youth Centre

The Department of Justice announced today that the new St. John's Youth Centre will be constructed adjacent to the existing site in the White Hills. The new centre is being constructed to replace the existing remand centre which does not sufficiently meet the department's requirements.

"Officials from the department have conducted a review of several sites within the St. John's Metropolitan area and have determined that the most appropriate site is in the White Hills," said Premier Brian Tobin, who made the announcement after the Minister of Justice received the report prepared by officials from the department and it was reviewed by government. "While it is not the preferred site, the White Hills area will adequately meet the requirements for the new centre."

After a recent public meeting sponsored by the Department of Justice and following representations from area residents, it was determined that the concerns of the residents may hinder the integration of the facility into the proposed Ridge Road site. "The current facility has a 15 year history in its present location. The new facility, along with appropriate architectural landscaping will provide for a more receptive environment. The government is satisfied that the extra cost associated with the construction of the centre at the White Hills is justified to ensure a high quality facility," said Premier Tobin.

In 1996, Dr. Inkpen, in her report on Secure Custody for Youth, stated: "I recommend that an improved facility for providing secure custody for youth be found or built." The construction of this new and better facility will allow for improved education and rehabilitation services to be given to the residents, since many of them will start the process of rehabilitation at the centre.

The new structure will have a design virtually identical to the proposed structure for the Ridge Road site. "While the new structure may not have the appearance of a youth centre, it will be a closed custody, highly secure facility," said the premier.

Media contact: Heidi Bonnell, Communications, Office of the Premier, (709) 454-3740, or David Wells, Communications, Department of Justice (709) 729-6830.

1999 07 20         11:00 a.m.