by Maria Driscoll

Holland College's Justice Institute of Canada will undergo an $8.5 million renovation which will both expand and modernize the facility and add significantly to the programs the Institute will be able to offer.

The expansion was announced today by Premier Pat Binns, Jeanette MacAulay, Vice President of Development and External Relations for Holland College and, Dave Loggie, President of the Slemon Park Corporation.

The expansion will make the Justice Institute, which includes the Atlantic Police Academy, a Centre of Excellence for law enforcement training.

"The Justice Institute has grown to be a significant contributor to law enforcement training across the region," said Premier Binns. "This expansion of programs and renovation of the facility will allow that growth to continue and will increase the Institute's stature in this important field."

The Premier also acknowledged hard work and dedication of Development and Technology Minister Mike Currie and Summerside and area MLAs Greg Deighan, Helen MacDonald and Wilfred Arsenault in bringing the project to fruition.

The renovations include an expansion adjacent to the existing facility. The expansion and renovation will include additional classroom and training space as well as an indoor firing range. Montgomery House and Malpeque House, which serve as residences for the Institute, will be renovated to provide accommodations complete with air conditioning. The food service facility will also be upgraded.

The Justice Institute provides training for those who are entering the field of law enforcement for the first time and advanced training to those already experienced in law enforcement. In addition to its five full-time programs, the Institute offers in-service courses and professional development. Last year, 650 full and part time students attended courses at the Institute.

"Expanding our program offerings with new technology in state of-the-art training facilities allows the College to create Centres of Excellence across Prince Edward Island," stated Jeanette MacAulay, Vice President of Development and External Relations at Holland College. "With today's investment, our new Centre of Excellence in police and law enforcement training further advances the College?s goal of innovative leadership in education and career training."

"The expanded facility will create new opportunities for training in a campus type environment, and we are delighted to have Holland College as a partner in our continuing development." said David Loggie, President of Slemon Park Corporation.

Funding for the expansion was provided by Prince Edward Island Business Development ($4.5 million), Holland College and the Slemon Park Corporation will provide the remainder of the funding.