Dauphin Correctional Centre (PROVINCE OF MANITOBA)

The Manitoba government says it will wind down operations at the Dauphin Correctional Centre in the spring.

Built in 1917, the facility is the oldest correctional centre in Manitoba and no longer meets modern correctional needs.

Justice Minister Cliff Cullen says the province will be working with the Civil Service Commission and the union to ensure employees retain their positions.

“We will be respecting the collective agreement,” Cullen said. “We want to ensure a smooth transition and will be working with the union in the coming days.”

Inmates currently serving time in Dauphin will continue to be held at the six other adult correctional facilities located throughout the province.

Dauphin courthouse renovations

The closure of the Dauphin Correctional Centre comes as the province announced Friday it would be modernizing the adjacent century-old Dauphin courthouse.

The courthouse will be expanded and renovated at an estimated cost of more than $11 million. Upgrades include additional holding cells, improved interior and exterior accessibility, improved video-conferencing and meeting spaces for lawyers and their clients, and new administrative and office spaces for court staff, sheriff services and the judiciary.

The final design of the courthouse will be decided in the coming months.