The provincial government says an “early works agreement” has been signed for site preparation for the long-awaited replacement of HMP.
Parts of the existing Penitentiary date to the 1860s, and advocates and union leaders have been calling for its replacement for decades.
Ground literally broken today on construction of new prison on East White Hills Road, across from Harding Road, to replace HMP. Still no firm timelines, though cost now estimated near $700 million. pic.twitter.com/jNVBuLsgiv
— VOCM News (@VOCMNEWS) June 16, 2025
The province says it remains committed to replacing the facility, and a ground-breaking ceremony was held today on East White Hills Road in the capital city’s east end this morning.
The early works agreement, valued at about $1.5 million, will allow New Avalon Corrections Partners to begin site preparation while a more comprehensive project agreement is finalized.
That work will include clearing the land, construction of an eight-foot fence around the perimeter of the site, and what the government says is a soft design start, including precast cell plywood mockups.
