1950 to 1999: Corrections in the late 1900s

Timeline

1950: BC Corrections Branch is created
1957 to 1975: Haney Correctional Institution
1991: Oakalla (Lower Mainland Regional Correctional Centre) closes
1990s: Four regional correctional centres built

Photos

Oakalla (Lower Mainland Regional Correctional Centre)
Fraser Regional Correctional Centre
Kamloops Regional Correctional Centre
Prince George Regional Correctional Centre
Surrey Pretrial Services Centre

Videos

Stevens on Formation of BC Corrections Branch (Duration: 0:34)
Retired Officer-In-Charge Lloyd Hopper talks about Haney Correctional Institution (Duration: 2:39)
Retired staff member Gordon Bains speaks about his first job in at Oakalla (Duration: 2:51)

1950: BC Corrections Branch is created

Until the mid-1900s, individuals in provincial custody in B.C. were managed by the commissioner of police and inspector of gaols. The transfer of policing to the RCMP in 1950 compelled the provincial government to create a separate authority to operate the correctional system.

Stevens on Formation of BC Corrections Branch

Former Commissioner of Corrections Ernie Stevens speaks about the formation of the Corrections Branch (1950). (Duration: 0:34)

1957 to 1975: Haney Correctional Institution

Haney Correctional Institution opened in 1957 based on a philosophy of rehabilitation. The goal was to promote positive social values and behaviour, and to provide a training programs consisting of physical, vocational and academic components. The institution closed in 1975.

Retired Officer-In-Charge Lloyd Hopper talks about Haney Correctional Institution

Retired Officer-In-Charge of Haney Correctional Institution Lloyd Hopper describes the Haney correctional facility and his views on the merits of its programs and services. (Duration: 2:39)

1991: Oakalla (Lower Mainland Regional Correctional Centre) closes

After modern replacements were built, Oakalla closed in 1991.

Retired staff member Gordon Bains speaks about his first job in corrections at Oakalla

Retired staff member Gordon Bains speaks about his first job in corrections at Oakalla (Lower Mainland Regional Correctional Centre). (Duration: 2:51)