Large crowd debates prison in Lumby
A huge crowd turned out to debate a proposed correctional facility in Lumby Wednesday.
More than 500 people crammed into the Charles Bloom Secondary School gymnasium to ask Ministry of Public Safety representatives questions about the prospect of a prison being built in the community.
“I’m not here to sell anything,” said Brent Merchant, assistant deputy minister with the corrections branch.
“I’m not here to make you want a jail or not want a jail.”
Some residents expressed concern that a prison will attract criminals and drug activity.
“What are the socio-economic impacts gangs would have on Lumby?” asked Huguette Allen.
Others wanted to know how a prison would be serviced with water and sewer, and would land uses around a jail be restricted.
“If a wood chipper is running next to the facility, will you have issues with it?” said Doug Brown.
Residents of Lumby and adjacent Area D go to the polls April 30 to vote on whether they want a prison in the community.
For more about Wednesday’s meeting, check out Friday’s Morning Star.
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