REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS STAGE CLOSED FOR SOUTH WEST DETENTION CENTRE PROJECT

TORONTO, Oct 1 /CNW/ - Infrastructure Ontario and the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services today announced the request for proposals stage has closed for building teams to submit bids to design, build, finance and maintain the South West Detention Centre.

Construction of the 315-bed male and female state-of-the-art detention centre will help to stimulate the Windsor economy. This investment will create spin-off benefits in the community and region with supplies that will be purchased from local businesses and potentially hundreds of construction workers who will be employed during the project.

The bidding process encouraged proponents to partner with local team members, use local consultants, trades and contractors.

"We're pleased that Windsor contactors will be put to work, a good deal of supplies will be purchased locally, and our construction workers will begin to build this new facility - starting early next year," said Windsor West MPP Sandra Pupatello.

The design and construction of the South West Detention Centre will adhere to the guidelines and sustainability principles of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) rating system, with a goal of achieving LEED® Silver certification. LEED® buildings focus on healthy indoor environments, reduced greenhouse gas emissions and efficient use of energy, water and other resources.

"Our government is investing in infrastructure to stimulate the economy, strengthen our communities and create jobs. This project will abide by advanced environmental standards which will also contribute to a cleaner and healthier environment for all of us," said Windsor-St. Clair MPP Dwight Duncan.

Over the next several months, Infrastructure Ontario and the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services will evaluate the bidders' proposals based on criteria set out in the request for proposals. The successful bidder and the cost of the contract will be announced publicly at financial close which is expected in early 2011. Construction will begin shortly after.

Infrastructure Ontario is working with the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services to develop the facility which will remain publicly owned, publicly controlled and publicly accountable.

Infrastructure Ontario is a Crown corporation dedicated to delivering some of the province's larger and more complex infrastructure renewal projects - ensuring they are built on time and on budget; as well, it is dedicated to providing the public sector and not-for-profit organizations with long-term financing to renew their infrastructure.

Visit www.infrastructureontario.ca for more information.

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For further information:

Stuart McGetrick	Terence Foran
Communications Branch	Infrastructure Ontario
Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services	416-325-2939
416-325-9686