The British Columbia government selected the Osoyoos Indian Band as its partner for a new detention facility.

The province will build the 360-cell center on land owned by the band. The project is expected to generate 500 jobs, including 240 permanent jobs at the facility.

"Today's welcome news reflects well on the strength of the business case we presented and the confidence we and the Province feel in each other as partners in this significant project," said Chief Clarence Louie, Chief Executive Officer, Osoyoos Indian Band. "Our band owns the most businesses per capita of any First Nation in Canada, which makes us a major economic driver in our region. This project will only build on our history of success."

This will be the first time that a B.C. detention facility has been built on Native land.

Get the Story:
Press Release: B.C. announces site for Okanagan correctional centre (BC Office of the Premier 2/6)
Osoyoos Band site picked for new Okanagan jail (CBC 2/6)
Osoyoos chief says correctional centre will bring opportunity (The Penicton Western News 2/6)
New jail on Indian land (The Province 2/7)
Okanagan band wins bid for $200-million prison (The Globe and Mail 2/7)