Tuesday, June 17, 2025
The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador announced that ground was broken on East White Hills Road at the site of the new Her Majesty’s Penitentiary, as the result of an Early Works Agreement valued at approximately $1.5 million that allows the preferred proponent to begin site preparation while the full, comprehensive project agreement is being finalized.
“Today marks a very important day as we break ground for the construction of a new corrections facility that will meet the needs of both inmates and staff. For decades, a new adult corrections facility for the province has been contemplated and we are witnessing our government’s delivery on such a significant infrastructure project. I look forward to the ongoing efforts to conclude the final negotiations with New Avalon Corrections Partners,” said Elvis Loveless, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.
An Early Works Agreement is a formal agreement that is a common tool used in complex projects where there is a benefit to getting some activities started early to avoid delays, mitigate risks and ensure the project stays on schedule, even if there are still negotiations ongoing. The Early Works Agreement includes such items as:
- Clearing and grubbing of the site.
- Eight-foot perimeter site fencing installation.
- Erosion and sediment control.
- Cut-off ditch and temporary stormwater storage along the front portion of the site to control site water.
- Stripping, sorting and stockpiling of topsoil for future use.
- “Soft” design start, including precast cell plywood mock-ups.
On June 9, 2025, a Preferred Proponent Letter was sent to New Avalon Corrections Partners, signaling that the Provincial Government has accepted their Request for Proposals (RFP) submission and is ready to begin finalizing the Project Agreement. The letter confirms that the proponent has adequately met the requirements of the RFP. In this case, there was a single proponent from the outset, so the project has now moved into a direct negotiation phase and the letter formalizes this process, confirming that the proponent has met initial eligibility criteria and prequalification requirements. The letter also grants the proponent official go-ahead to begin more detailed discussions to reach financial close and a final project agreement.
“Today’s groundbreaking is a culmination of a tremendous amount of work, demonstrating government’s commitment to transforming adult corrections in Newfoundland and Labrador. The new 28,000 square metres, 300 bed, state-of-the art facility will allow adult corrections in our province to move to a dynamic security model. This will emphasize the focus on treatment and rehabilitation, as well as inspire community confidence for the safety of inmates, staff and members of the public,” said Dr. John Haggie, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General.
In January 2024, the Provincial Government re-issued a Request for Qualifications for the replacement of the adult correctional facility, as a result of significantly increased construction costs. The parameters of the project were re-evaluated with an aim of procuring a new facility that is fiscally responsible, while also maintaining the new planned programming.
“New Avalon Corrections Partners is pleased to be moving forward with early works site preparation as we take the next step in advancing this important project. Our team looks forward to working with the province to deliver this much needed replacement facility,” said Hafeez Habib, New Avalon Corrections Partners.
Featured image: (Government of Newfoundland and Labrador)
