SHEDIAC (CNB) - The provincial government has awarded the main contract in the construction  of the Southeast Correctional Centre in Shediac. Business New Brunswick Minister Victor Boudreau made the announcement while visiting the site today.

The contract has been awarded to Maricon Construction Management Ltd. for about $23 million. Foundations and steel are already up as part of the largest and final phase of construction, scheduled to be completed in 2011.

"It is exciting to see construction progressing on this new facility," said Boudreau. "This important investment will ensure that the province meets a critical infrastructure need in our provincial correctional system while creating hundreds of construction jobs."

Boudreau was speaking on behalf of Supply and Services Minister Ed Doherty.

The centre will cover 8,820 sq. m (98,000 sq. ft.) and will feature three accommodation units, each containing 30 cells. The facility will also include areas for admitting and discharge, medical services, program rooms, secure visitation, food services and facilities for administration and staff.

"I am pleased to see the construction of the facility is progressing in a timely manner," said Public Safety Minister and Solicitor General John W. Foran. "The completed correctional centre will be a modern facility that will increase capacity for adult offenders."

As part of the provincial government's Green Buildings Program, the centre has been designed to achieve a silver rating under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), a rating system that measures the performance of green buildings in Canada.


27-07-10