Construction of $66M Jail in Minto Moves Forward Despite Criminologist Concerns
Construction of the new $66-million jail in Minto is progressing well, according to a provincial spokesperson.
Officials report that the project is divided into three phases. The first phase, which involved land clearing and road construction, has been completed. Phase two, which recently commenced, includes excavation and work on sewer and water infrastructure, among other tasks.
Tenders for foundation and steel work required for phase three will be issued in August. The project is slated for completion by late 2026, with Bird Construction serving as the construction manager.
The province initiated this project in 2021, citing rising crime rates and concerns over facility capacity. A recent statement to CBC News highlighted that correctional facilities “are regularly operating at full or over-capacity,” which poses risks to the health and safety of both officers and inmates.
The latest custody data from the province in May reveals that New Brunswick jails held a record high of 558 individuals in a single day, surpassing the total capacity of 526.
However, this data does not differentiate between those serving sentences, those on remand, or individuals “presently in hospital, on supervised temporary release as part of their case plan, or unlawfully at large.”
The new facility will accommodate only those sentenced to terms of imprisonment of less than two years, adults on remand, and individuals awaiting trial or sentencing.
Jails becoming un-manageable
In addition to investments in the new jail, the province has allocated $3.7 million to programs aimed at assisting inmates and reducing repeat offenses.
Justin Piché, a criminology professor at the University of Ottawa, argues that more preventive measures, including youth investments, are needed to keep people out of jail in the first place.
Data from Statistics Canada for 2021/2022 indicates that it costs approximately $278 per day to house each inmate in New Brunswick. Piché suggests these funds could be redirected to youth initiatives like meals and mentoring programs or drug-treatment services.
The province has noted a rising trend in crime over the past several years. When asked about crime reduction efforts, officials highlighted “several initiatives over the past years to increase the number of police officers and Crown prosecutors, strengthen and create legislation to reduce crime, and fund new education and rehabilitation programs.”
Jean Sauvageau, a criminology professor at St. Thomas University, emphasized that neglected issues such as healthcare, mental health, and homelessness can escalate into significant problems.
According to the latest statistics from the Government of New Brunswick website, reported crimes increased by 20 percent from 2018 to 2022.
