Neighbours concerned about proposed federal halfway house in Summerside
Neighbours of what may very well be P.E.I.’s first federal corrections midway home are expressing concern after they stated they had been caught off-guard by the proposal.
The proposed web site is on Water Avenue in Summerside’s east finish. It could home as much as eight males, all former federal convicts launched from jail on parole, on the situation they dwell in a supervised facility.
The centre would additionally enable Island residents who’ve served federal jail sentences to return residence.
Discover had gone out to native residents and companies, advising them a bunch residence was being proposed for his or her neighbourhood.
Willard MacQuarrie, who lives beside the location, stated he and his neighbours had been alarmed to be taught who would be residing there.
“It was speculated to be a bunch residence, which everyone I talked to, effectively that is for handicapped folks or one thing like that. We had been a bit bit stunned to search out out it’s for parole prisoners from Dorchester and Springhill and perhaps different locations.”
Atlantic Human Companies which operates a 20-bed facility for former federal inmates in Moncton is spearheading the Summerside proposal. Safety measures would come with employees on web site 24-7, video surveillance and strict curfews.
President and CEO Joffre Theriault stated it will present a stepping stone for Islanders returning residence from jail on the mainland.
“We see a useful resource like this as an added worth to public security and to profitable reintegration,” he stated. “We’re one other software and one other useful resource for the province of Prince Edward Island that may assist maintain the general public protected however also can efficiently reintegrate offenders again into the group.”
Requires council approval
Theriault and officers from Correctional Service Canada will meet with native police this week to debate the proposal. It additionally nonetheless requires approval from Summerside metropolis council.
MacQuarrie and his neighbours plan to petition Summerside Metropolis Corridor to place a cease to the proposal. He stated he isn’t against the concept of a midway home, however he’d really feel extra comfy if the midway home was positioned someplace farther from residential areas.
“They’re in jail for a cause,” he stated. “They don’t seem to be the most effective upstanding residents, let’s consider.”
