FREDERICTON (GNB) – Grand Lake has been chosen as the new site for the province’s next correctional facility.
Nine communities expressed an interest and five submitted applications to be the site. The site, which is located on Industrial Park Road in Minto, scored higher than the other applicants based on the criteria provided.
The property, which is owned by the province, exceeds the minimum 8.8 hectares (22 acres) required, and has a treed buffer that will help isolate the facility from other properties. There are few residential properties in the immediate surrounding area, and water and septic services are available. As well, it is less than the stipulated 60-minute maximum travel time to Fredericton, has direct access to a main road, and does not have any wetland or adverse soil conditions.
“We were impressed by the various proposals and we are excited to move forward,” Public Safety Minister Kris Austin said. “The expressions of interest and the quality of the applications confirm our belief this is an excellent opportunity for a community.”
A request for proposal for the facility’s design has been filed and an announcement will be made when a design has been chosen. The total project cost is expected to be about $42 million.
“Once a design has been finalized, we will be in a position to discuss an opening date for this much-needed facility,” Austin said.
31-07-23