The union representing correctional officers at HMP says it’s looking at “any and all options” to address overcrowding at the aging facility until a new prison is complete by the end of 2029.
NAPE President Jerry Earle says everyone is looking forward to completion of the much-needed facility, but until then, they have a lot of issues that need to be addressed.
The facility is currently holding some 250 inmates, which is overcapacity, forcing some to be accommodated in the gym.
He says the process of looking at additional space is actively underway, but challenging.
Listen to “NAPE President Jerry Earle” on Spreaker.
“Not many facilities or spaces are purposed to house inmates, so that’s a challenge in itself,” says Earle.
He says the union and the department of justice have been looking at a number of possibilities but must also include transportation and infrastructure which may nix a concept for a variety of reasons. He says they’re looking “at everything from RCMP lockups to other facilities that could potentially quickly be converted to house inmates.”
