The provincial government has reached a final project agreement with New Avalon Corrections Partners to construct the HMP replacement – at a cost of nearly $700-million.
The province broke ground on the new facility last month as part of an “early works agreement.”
Now, a final agreement has been reached, which includes financial close on the project.
Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Elvis Loveless and Education Minister Bernard Davis at the site of the new HMP (VOCM News)
It is anticipated that the new prison will take 50 months to build, with completion by fall of 2029.
Government says the new 395-bed facility will include services for female inmates, a health services unit, an expanded resident program and recreation services, and a wellness and training space for support staff and corrections officers.
According to the province, the project will make use of a consolidated design layout, as opposed to the semi-campus style facility in the original proposal, which they argue makes good use of the site conditions on East White Hills Road.
