Public tours of the Okanagan Correctional Centre are scheduled Oct. 21-23. Here, builders and representatives of BC Corrections celebrate the completion of the facility on Sept. 30
Want to tour the new Okanagan Correctional Centre? We thought so.
Guided tours of the living units, cells and secure inmate areas are being scheduled October 21-23.
Visitors will have the rare opportunity to see areas of a correctional centre that are usually off limits to the public. They’ll also learn about the day-to-day operations of the correctional centre and what life in custody is like for inmates.
The centre is about 8.5 km north of Oliver in Senkulmen Business Park at 38801 Highway 97, with ample free parking on site. All visitors who want to take a one-hour guided tour must register in advance by calling 250 485-8263 during business hours, Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Some people, who have tried the number, said it is incorrect, but a spokesperson for the Ministry of Public Safety confirmed the number is correct, but said they will be changing the message so it will be easier to understand.
Visitors are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for donation to local food banks. Light refreshments will be provided at the end of each tour.
Please note that, for security reasons, cameras and recording equipment – including smart phones – must be left in your vehicle or at home.
Completed on time and on budget in September, the $200-million facility is the first provincial correctional centre in the Okanagan and B.C.’s 10th overall. Following system testing and staff training, the centre will begin housing inmates in 2017 and employ approximately 300 South Okanagan residents as correctional officers and various administrative and support roles.
