Whether one likes it or not, it appears that the South Okanagan - Similkameen is about to diversify its economy with the introduction of a prison to the Senkulmen Enterprise Park north of Oliver.
A prison in the neighbourhood has been a much debated issue since the province announced its desire to locate one in the area last year. There is no denying that the penal industry has a negative stigma attached to it, but at the same time it’s hard to ignore the economic benefits predicted from the construction and operation of this facility.
Added to that is the often overlooked fact that a prison should meet most of the criteria for a “green” industry - an environmentally friendly fit for the whole region.
It seems to us that the possibility of security threats from having a prison in the region is a minimal concern, as it has been pointed out in the various debates that took place last year that the last place an escaped felon is likely to hang around would be the place he / she escaped from. A prison is also going to bring with it many more people with skills in law enforcement and detention to the area.
Local politicians are already envisioning the economic benefits that will spin from the prison announcement. Area “D” Director Tom Siddon called it a “kick start for the Okanagan Falls economy,” noting the strategic placement of Okanagan Falls for prison personnel because of its proximity to both Penticton and the facility. Siddon also saw the correctional centre as a potential driver for such things as road improvements in the South Okanagan.
It seems that every economic opportunity comes with some negatives. After four years of industrial and retail slowdowns and closures that have marginalized the region’s economy, we feel the prison is a welcome, safe - and timely - announcement indeed.