of Forests, providing a rigorous
work program for inmates on
temporary absence. Inmates
engage in a forestry training
program while at the camp, and
are paid minimum wage.
Redonda Bay is located on West
Redonda Island, near Campbell
River.

With the expansion of the
temporary release program, the
work of institutional
correctional officers and
community-based probation
officers began to merge. In
1971, a Work Release Unit®
(under the direction of Stan
Mounsey and P.J. “Tim”
Thimsen) was established at the
Lower Mainland Regional
Correctional Centre (previously
known as Oakalla). This brought
probation officers into the
institution to help the unit assess individuals
for temporary release.

Another innovative program that began in the
eatly 1970s was sponsorship of a pilot project
in volunteer probation. This project reflected
the focus on community-based corrections
and direct involvement of private citizens. The
program was jointly sponsored by the junior
League of Vancouver and B.C, Corrections
Branch,

The volunteer sponsors program in North
Vancouver was a practical example of citizen
participation.’ In 1971, it was reported that 74

Corrections Branch Archives

SER EB Ee hee

South wing unit of Lower Mainland Regional Correctional
Centre (date: unknown) Corrections Branch Archives

6 Westage ‘A’ was used for this purpose, which allowed for accommodation of up to 50 offenders.
7 Corrections Branch Annual Report 1970-71 (Ministry of Attorney General, 1972).

116

Corrections in British Columbia