When the Harper government announced specifics of its “tough on crime” agenda, bringing in mandatory minimum sentences, hiring more corrections staff, and adding prison beds across the country, people living and working in the region surrounding Bowden Institution awaited the impact.
As these measures are rolled out with construction projects moving forward, effects to date have been muted – a relief to some.
“There's not the influx from a housing standpoint,” said Derek Austin, a broker/owner with Century 21, referring to the flood of guards expected to move to the region to help staff the growing prison. “This project I've heard of is behind right now.”
Currently a $15-million 96-bed medium-security unit is being built on the prison grounds to be completed in 2013.
Because the housing stock is so low in the area, demand lagging behind anticipated levels is actually a good thing, Austin said.
“It certainly hasn't changed like we thought it would,” he said.
Westpro Infrastructure was awarded the contract for two new support buildings in the fall, and will have 50 weeks to get it done. The company is responsible for consultation and contractor services through the design and construction phases of the project. Managers at Westpro declined to speak about the project.
A separate million-dollar contract for roadwork to include repairs to the perimeter and access roads and installing area lights was to start Oct. 7, 2012.
The economic impact of expanding the prison will be less than it would have been in years past, said Bowden mayor Robb Stuart.
While 80 per cent of prison staff used to live in Innisfail and Bowden, that number is closer to 10 per cent these days, he said, adding Central Alberta as a whole will be affected.
“I think the region will have a significant boom because of it,” he said. “Gas stations will see an increase in the sale of gas.”
Kelly Sundberg, chair of the department of justice studies at Mount Royal University says when Stony Mountain Institution, a medium-security facility near Winnipeg was expanded, nearby Stonewall did see an economic benefit.
“It's a big domino effect,” he said. “With the omnibus crime bill they had no choice but to expand the jail. With the building will come a need to increase the staffing as well.”
Local Conservative MP Earl Dreeshen said as far as he knows construction is moving along nicely.
“It's something that's a work in process,” he said. “These are opportunities for local businesses to get involved.
“It definitely helps with job opportunities for the community.”
In January 2012, construction to the tune of $9.25 million was completed on new housing units at Bowden Institution's minimum-security annex, which added 50 new accommodation spaces. This cost about $9.25 million, but was under the $10 million budget.
“We are investing in new infrastructure to better manage a complex and diverse offender population,” said
Lori Pothier, senior media relations advisor with the Correctional Service of Canada. “These investments will lead to safer and more secure penitentiaries and ultimately enhance public safety.”
