7 also improves safety and is just one example of how design can make a big difference.” In addition to adding capacity for remanded individuals, a significant addition to the new NCC is a 12-room women’s unit marking the first time BC Corrections has had dedicated accommodations for women on the island. “The female unit within the new Nanaimo Correctional Centre helps ensure that females on Vancouver Island are supported to serve intermittent sentences and short remand and other stays rather than being held in police lockups,” explains Friesen. The new centre also features a state-of-the-art health care unit designed to reduce the need for offsite treatment and new purpose-structures to support NCC’s innovative Guthrie Therapeutic Community, which combines work, addictions treatment and counselling. Outside of improving functionality and expanding service delivery, the new NCC is designed to exceed environmental standards, targeting LEED Gold V4 designation. “The new NCC is the most energyefficient facility in BC Corrections’ portfolio” says Friesen. “We are committed to operational efficiency and to doing our part to support the province’s design and construction energy target.” PHASE TWO: INDIGENOUS PROGRAMS AND HORTICULTURAL CENTRE Phase two of the project, running until early 2025, involves demolishing the old buildings and
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