Eastern N.L. town lobbies for new penitentiary

The government of Newfoundland and Labrador has expressed a need for a new penitentiary and the town of Harbour Grace is billing itself as the perfect site for the facility.

The town is located 100 kilometres northwest of St. John's.

Bob White, marketing director for the Baccalieu Trail Board of Trade, said Harbour Grace's proximity to the capital city is a strong point in its favour.

White also noted that there's plenty of open space around the community where the penitentiary could be built.

He said he's hoping the facility could provide jobs and a financial boost for Harbour Grace.

White added that the board is in the process of educating the local business community about the idea and preparing a proposal to present to government.

The Newfoundland and Labrador government said last month it is considering replacing the aging Her Majesty's Penitentiary with a provincial-federal institution with modern facilities and a more comprehensive array of services for inmates.