The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador announced that construction has started on extensions and renovations at the Labrador Correctional Centre in Happy Valley-Goose Bay that will increase capacity and improve services.

The project consists of three living unit extensions for a total of 18 cells to accommodate 36 incarcerated individuals; improvements to the facility’s laundry, kitchen, and programming areas; and the addition of a medical suite.

“This construction site will create employment for tradespeople in Labrador, and when the new extensions open, it will allow people in Labrador to receive correctional services closer to home. This investment and our funding for the new mental health unit in Happy Valley-Goose Bay is providing access to better services for people in this region,” said Elvis Loveless, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.

A contract valued at $8.2 million was awarded to Moss Development Corporation in November 2021. The extensions will allow Adult Corrections the option to house female and male offenders in Labrador, reducing the need for transports to other facilities on the island.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure anticipates construction being completed by the end of 2024.

“This expansion will improve the services and programs at this facility, as well as provide the ability for individuals to stay closer to home, all of which will help in rehabilitation,” said John Hogan, Minister of Justice and Public safety. “We look forward to the completion of this work and will continue to work with the community and Indigenous leaders on ways to improve the justice system in the community.”

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Moss Development Corporation is also constructing a new six-bed mental health unit at the Labrador Health Centre in the community. Construction is anticipated to be completed later this summer.

As part of Budget 2022, government is investing $567 million in infrastructure, which includes more than $10 million in funding for a courthouse and correctional facilities in Newfoundland and Labrador.

“The construction of two significant infrastructure projects in Central Labrador will improve the delivery of programs and access to critical care and services for Labradorians,” said Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Labrador Affairs. “I am pleased to see that work is nearing completion on the long-awaited mental health unit at Happy Valley-Goose Bay, and the expansion project at the correctional centre increases capacity and reduces the necessity for transporting individuals to other facilities on the Island.”

Featured image: (Photo by Grant Durr on Unsplash)

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