Louis Sebert

I believe we could get that update quite soon. The complication, as I said, was that the renovations that initially seemed to be fairly straightforward are going to be more complicated, but I will provide the update as requested. Thank you.

It was thought initially that a completely new fence would be required. We are looking at less complicated and hopefully less expensive alternatives.

Yes, Mr. Chair. The money for the new resource centre, as I understand it, is part of the 2018-2019 budget, but I think the point is that there won't be a period of time where there will be nothing. If we do move to a new resource centre, we're hoping it will be a seamless transition from the old library. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As I informed this House the other day when I was asked a question by the Member opposite, the tender for the perimeter fence project closed on August 29, 2017. I understand that the project is now under construction, and that it will be completed by mid-October. It is on course to be completed, as I say, by October, so the project, which I know has been long awaited by the residents of that area, should be completed within the next couple of weeks. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I will give some brief outline about the resource centre/library, and then if I may defer to my deputy minister here.

Now, the old library on the first floor is still open to lawyers and others by appointment. I think they've only had one non-lawyer, one or two at most, seeking to get into the library. It's not as though there's nothing there. We are making plans for a resource centre.

Perhaps at this point I could turn the matter over to Mr. Goldney and he could provide some further information. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

My understanding is that the lease is up in 2021, but there's an option for a five-year extension to 2026, I assume. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Yes, Mr. Chair, I think we are looking at somewhat of a scaleddown project, but if I might defer to the deputy minister for details? Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. There are two major projects we are talking about in this area of security. One is to install fencing in response to the incident, the escape that took place in August of 2016, and the other is to mark the property line of the facility.

With respect to the critical incident response, if I can use that term, that is to secure the yard used for inmate programs. Again, it was obvious that security had to be enhanced after the escape in 2016, and my understanding is that, since that time, this portion of the facility has not been used. A budget was approved for this work, and...

Yes, I would like to bring in witnesses, please.

As this House knows, we have invested a considerable amount of money in this project. We do not want to cut that loose unless there appears to be no hope at all of getting these generators. If, however, it does come to that, we will have to go out for an RFP because we do need these generators.