A drawing shows the new Okanagan Correctional Centre. (Photo supplied)
Keeping inmates in and unwanted guests out is paramount for the Ministry of Justice as it continues building B.C.’s newest prison just north of Oliver.
The construction of perimeter fencing is well underway at the Okanagan Correctional Centre (OCC) in order to make it as secure as possible.
According to the Ministry of Public Safety, the security fencing will be built to correctional standards.
Rather than barbed wire, BC Corrections uses “candy cane” fencing that is curved inwards at the top to prevent inmates from scaling it.
The ministry says this secure design also helps ensure that correctional centres fit in with their surroundings.
Extensive video monitoring and electrical security systems will augment the security fencing.
In other construction news, site superintendent Paul Devriendt of PCL Constructors Westcoast Inc., said the structure and building exterior are complete on the three inmate living units (pods).
Components of the permanent heating system are being commissioned, while painting, flooring and millwork continues. In addition, the final exterior grading is being done in preparation for paving this spring.
Devriendt said two large diesel generators were hoisted into place recently to serve as an important backup to support the facility in the event of any power outages.
Devriendt said they have approximately 275 workers on site in Senkulmen Business Park.
“To date, we have worked over 400,000 person hours without a lost-time incident. We are very proud of this accomplishment and the trade workers’ commitment to safety.”
The superintendent said PCL has awarded 61 subcontracts, including 30 to local businesses.
“The local and First Nation workers, along with all the trades from surrounding areas have been working very hard and safely, producing the highest quality of workmanship,” he pointed out. “They are proud to be part of this development on these traditional lands of the Osoyoos Indian Band.”
Devriendt said concrete is definitely an important structural component of the facility.
To date, more than 1,080 concrete trucks have delivered close to 46 million pounds of concrete to the worksite.
“Overall we are proud of the design, it is a pleasant, high quality building inside and out.”
Devriendt said they have made use of good finishes in the common areas, including local cross-laminated timber. They have also incorporated plenty of glass.
From Enterprise Way, the front of the central services building resembles a well-designed commercial office or government building, the superintendent said.
One local resident asked if there was going to be a berm to shield the facility from public view. But there was no mention of this feature during the planning phase.
Devriendt confirmed that the project is on schedule and is proceeding as planned.
He noted the completion date is September 30 of this year. At that time, Corrections BC will occupy the building and start training the new staff and getting familiar with the facility prior to inmates arriving.
Construction on the new correctional facility began in the spring of 2015 and crews have been working on the project seven days a week ever since.
The Okanagan Correctional Centre is the first facility of its kind to be built in British Columbia in several years.
The facility will only house offenders who have been given sentences of six months or less.
The ministry has held several events in the Oliver area to test the skills of potential employees who are considering applying for a position as a correctional officer at the facility. More than 260 correctional officers will be employed once the jail opens.
LYONEL DOHERTY
Special to the Times
