PROJECT HISTORY
The challenge
The buildings that comprise the existing Nanaimo Correctional Centre (NCC) are more than 60 years old and need updating to better support operations.
Nanaimo Correctional Centre Replacement Project
Designing a new campus-inspired correctional facility in Nanaimo
The solution
A campus-inspired design to allow a new operational model and innovative programming to support change for individuals in custody.
The impact
The replacement of NCC offers BC Corrections the opportunity to explore new and evolving correctional practices in modern, purpose-built spaces.
644.9
square meters of learning space
The challenge
The existing Nanaimo Correction Centre (NCC) is a key component of BC Corrections’ provincial operations. The buildings that comprise the facility are more than 60 years old and are in need of updating to improve operational functionality and better support NCC’s unique programs that aim to reduce reoffending and support meaningful change for individuals in custody.
The solution
Led by Stuart Olson Inc. for the Ministry of Citizen Services and in partnership with BC Corrections, we designed the replacement NCC, which is located adjacent to the existing centre in Brannen Lake, BC. The master plan is designed to reflect a typical college campus to support a new operational model focused on learning, healing, and change.
Inspired by traditional Coast Salish plank houses and through engagement with Snaw-Naw-As and Snuneymuxw First Nations, the “campus” will provide a strong connection to the environment by providing outdoor learning spaces, natural pathways, and seating integrated into the landscaping.
The estimated 9,880 net square meters of space are allocated in multiple buildings to offer secure, medium and open custody living units for men, secure living units for women, purpose-built program delivery sites, workshops, greenhouses, dedicated healthcare space and more.
The impact
The replacement of NCC will support a new operational model and will allow BC Corrections to explore new and evolving correctional practices, in modern, purpose-built buildings that incorporate the healing power of nature.
NCC offers programs that support individuals in making positive change. Focusing on the unique and varied needs of each individual, these programs help participants establish transferable skills and make positive changes to support success upon release. One example of these programs includes the Guthrie Therapeutic Community (Guthrie), offered in partnership with Connective (formerly known as the John Howard Society). Guthrie combines work, addictions treatment, counselling, and behavioral modelling to support residents to make meaningful and lasting change in their lives. NCC has also partnered with the Vancouver Island University (VIU) to offer the Inside Out program. This program allows individuals in custody to earn university credits alongside VIU students and to learn from each other’s experiences and viewpoints.
