The Brandon Correctional Centre is undergoing construction to expand the 80-bed jail.
Crowding has been an issue for many years, but renewed calls for a larger facility were brought forward in October, after inmates rioted and caused several thousand dollars in damages.
A day later, the union representing officers at the correctional centre called for a new facility.
“The capacity needs of the correctional system have been growing and having more space to house offenders adds to the safety of our facilities for both inmates and staff,” said Attorney General Andrew Swan on Monday. “Since 1999, we have added 418 bed spaces to the adult correctional system. When construction is completed in Brandon, that number will rise to 498.”
At the time of the riot, 282 inmates were housed tightly in Brandon. After construction is complete by the fall of 2010, the jail will hold 244 inmates — which still falls short of the need for more room to comfortably house inmates.
Image credit: eBrandon.ca
