North Slave Correctional Facility

PCL Constructors Northern Inc. was awarded the construction management of the new Correctional Centre in Yellowknife, NT.  The facility consists of four buildings built in two phases; Phase one is a Young Offender's Facility, a Recreation and Services Building, and a Boiler Building.  Phase two is the Adult Facility.  All the buildings are linked with above ground utilidors.  Total area is roughly 9,500 m2 and is able house approximately 180 inmates.

The project provided the team with many challenges.  The site chosen is an old rock quarry site with the buildings situated on blasted rock surfaces. Concrete walls are scribed and doweled to the rock surface.  The topography dictates floor elevations and layout.  The layout of the building provided challenges in maintaining heat during cold weather construction.

The facility is operated on an indirect supervision approach and focuses on the healing and program aspect of rehabilitation rather than the standard institutional approach of 'locking them up.'  Construction materials are more subdued creating a quiet and peaceful environment.