News Releases

Quebec Region

News Release

Communiqué

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LAVAL, QC, May 11, 2005 - On behalf of Public Works and Government Services Canada, Correctional Service Canada announces a $2,379,680 (GST included) competitive contract awarded to Progere Construction Inc. of Trois-Rivières, Québec, to undertake renovations at the Cowansville Institution. This contract will be completed in January 2006.

"This work will ensure the optimal and safe functioning of the main electrical distribution. It is part of an ongoing corrective maintenance program at this important facility. Regular overhauls to critical infrastructure prevent expensive repairs and disruptions of services. This proactive approach results in important savings in the long term" said Denis Méthé, Deputy Commissioner, Quebec Region for Correctional Service Canada.

Progere Construction will make changes to the electrical system including the replacement of old underground electrical cables with new ones. The company will construct a new power station house and transfer the facility's generators to the new building. The institution will remain open for the duration of the project. The work will take place both outside and within the security perimeter.

Established in 1966, Cowansville is one of the oldest of twelve federal correctional facilities in Quebec. Located 100 km east of Montreal, this medium-security facility has a capacity rating of 423 cells. Moderate-intensity programs are available in cognitive learning, substance abuse, family violence issues and also a high intensity program in violence prevention.

For information on contracting opportunities with the Government of Canada, visit www.merx.com, Canada's official, public sector electronic tendering service.

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For more information, media representatives may contact:

Jean-Pierre Ruel
Project Leader, Facility Planning
(450) 664-6633