A major expansion of the Saskatoon Correctional Centre is nearly complete and expected to open this summer, the Government of Saskatchewan announced Thursday.
The $135 million project, which began construction in 2021, will add 312 beds to the facility, increasing its capacity to house adult men in custody. The expansion also includes a new medical unit and clinic, additional program space, upgraded video court suites, and a kitchen to serve the entire centre.
Officials said the project remained on schedule and within budget.
“We are very pleased to announce that this project has reached substantial completion,” SaskBuilds and Procurement Minister David Marit said. “This is one of the many investments into infrastructure projects reflecting our commitment to building stronger communities that will serve future generations.”
The new space is intended to improve safety and support rehabilitation efforts, the province said. Saskatchewan’s correctional system has faced pressure from capacity limits in recent years.
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“Adding more beds for offenders will help alleviate pressures in the provincial correctional system,” Corrections, Policing and Public Safety Minister Tim McLeod, K.C., said. “This expansion will also provide the SCC with additional space for rehabilitation programming to help offenders find a better path in life and never return to custody.”
The design of the expansion was led by Strategic Prairie Region Alliance (SPRA), with support from consulting engineers and other contractors.
“The design incorporates best practices and lessons learned relative to safety and security in a rehabilitative correctional environment while maximizing efficiencies of the integrated building systems,” SPRA project director and architect Patrick Kelly said. “We are proud to have collaborated with the entire project team in the design and successful delivery of this much needed facility.”
Mike Staines, vice president and district manager with construction company PCL, said the project benefitted from strong coordination among all parties involved.
“All of us here at PCL are proud of the facility we have delivered to the Ministry of SaskBuilds and Procurement (SBP) and pleased to be able to do so on time and on budget,” Staines said. “The SCC expansion is going to be a significant piece of infrastructure within our community.”
Once open, SBP will continue to handle day-to-day maintenance of the facility.
The province said the expansion aligns with its broader infrastructure strategy and represents a balanced approach to enforcement, rehabilitation, and community safety.