Senior staff from B.C. Corrections will be in the South Okanagan next week participating in information forums, including a mid-day meeting facilitated by the Okanagan Falls Economic Development Office October 9.
“Corrections is by its very nature an environment unknown to the general public,” explained Brent Merchant, a deputy minister with the provincial Ministry of Justice.
“We recognize that and we want to shed light on our operations, as we are very proud of the work our staff do in reducing reoffending and protecting communities.”
B.C. Corrections is planning to construct a correctional facility at the Senkulmen Business Park, just north of Oliver.
The corrections team will participate in three community forums October 9 and 10, including a 1:30 p.m. session at the Okanagan Falls Senior Centre (1128 Willow Street).
Additional forums will be held October 9 at 7 p.m. at the Oliver Community Centre (6359 Park Drive) and October 10 at 7 p.m. in Osoyoos at the Sonora Community Centre (8505 68 Avenue).
The forums will provide residents with a project update, answer questions and discuss correctional officer recruitment. Information will also be available regarding an online business registry for local contractors and service providers.
“We see these forums as an opportunity to inform residents about what we do, how we do it and to answer questions people may have,” said Merchant.
“We have some excellent recruitment materials and information that we are excited to share with residents at these forums.”