William E. Hay Youth Centre Opening
On February 3, 2009, the Hon. Deb Matthews, Minister of Children and Youth Services, Yasir Naqvi, MPP for Ottawa Centre and Alex Munter, Executive Director, Youth Services Bureau, officially opened the newly expanded and upgraded William E. Hay Youth Centre – a secure custody youth facility in Ottawa.
The Hay Centre is designed as a youth-specific facility where young male offenders are given access to specialized services and programs. Troubled youth are removed from adult correctional facilities and given access to counseling, education and vocational training, while allowing them to live as close to home as possible.
The Ontario Realty Corporation played a key role in the $5.36 million project by developing the contract documents, retaining the design team and contractors, providing project management services, as well as overseeing the design and construction of the facility.
Alex Munter personally thanked the ORC for all of its hard work in ensuring that the project was completed on time and on budget with minimal disruption to facility residents and ongoing operations. The project was completed well ahead of the March 31st deadline.
Representing the ORC at the ribbon-cutting ceremony were Project Director Jason Fellen, Project Manager Andrew Potvin, Regional Director of Operations (East) Steve Emery, Area Manager Julia McAllister, and Property Manager Patrick Kelly.
Originally designed to house 24 males aged 12-17, the upgraded facility now has capacity for up to 40 youths.
The project generated more than 100 construction-related jobs and has resulted in 27 additional jobs to operate the centre.
"This expansion is part of Ontario's plan to establish a dedicated stand-alone detention and custody system to help meet the unique needs of youth ages 12-17 in conflict with the law," said MPP Naqvi.
The ORC is also overseeing construction of similar new youth centres in Fort Frances and Thunder Bay, and has recently completed a new youth centre in Sault Ste. Marie.
Ribbon cutting - from left: Gilbert Tayles, Assistant Deputy Minister - Ministry of Children & Youth Services;
Yasir Naqvi - MPP Ottawa Centre; Alex Munter - Executive Director, Youth Services Bureau;
The Hon. Deb Matthews - Minster of Chilfren & Youth Services; Gord Boyd - Director, Youth Justice Services;
Judith Wright - Deputy Minister, Ministry of Children & Youth Services.
2/12/2009 9:04:44 AM