Public Notice

Dorchester – Construction of the Health Centre of Excellence – Public Comments Invited

June 12, 2026 – The Correctional Service Canada must determine whether the proposed Dorchester – Construction of the Health Centre of Excellence located in Dorchester, New Brunswick is likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

To help inform this determination, the Correctional Service Canada is inviting comments from the public respecting that determination. All comments received will be considered public and may be posted online.

Written comments must be submitted by July 12, 2026 to:
NHQ.Impact.Assessment.Act-Loi.sur.lEvaluation.dImpact.AC@csc-scc.gc.ca

The Proposed Project

Correctional Service Canada (CSC) requires a new stand-alone facility and supporting infrastructure associated with the Dorchester Penitentiary complex (DFRP 04338) to effectively deliver on its mandate. The proposed project – the Health Centre of Excellence (HCOE) – involves the development of approximately 5.8 hectares (ha) on federal lands under custody and operated by CSC. Activities include clearing, grubbing, and grading of the development area, construction of the 155-bed HCOE building, and associated ancillaries (landscaping, road work, construction fencing, remedial excavation, installation of erosion control structures and other site preparation work) on previously developed land adjacent to the existing penitentiary. The new secure facility will contribute to the Government of Canada's ongoing efforts to improve health care in the federal correctional system. It will further enhance CSC's ability to meet its legislative mandate to provide essential healthcare to persons under its care and custody as well as to address the evolving health needs of federal offenders across Canada.