The department of justice and public safety confirms that there are more than two dozen inmates at HMP who are currently being accommodated in the gym of the aging prison.

The department says the number of inmates in Newfoundland and Labrador is rising, and there are currently 25 people being accommodated in the gym.

The practice has been happening since last July, and will continue “for the foreseeable future.” Whenever there is an overflow, that is where inmates will be housed.

When beds do become available, those staying in the gym are given priority.

The department says the new prison is expected to be completed in the fall of 2029, and minister Helen Conway-Ottenheimer has met with NAPE to discuss ways to address accommodation issues at HMP for the time being.