More than 200 inmates were relocated from a medium-security prison in Abbotsford on Saturday after a pipe burst and caused significant flooding. Correctional Service Canada said repairs are already underway at Matsqui Institution. In the meantime, facility visits have been paused, and displaced inmates have been temporarily moved to other federal prisons in the region and unaffected areas within Matsqui. “The incident affected three units of the institution–not all–and necessitated the evacuation of inmates in affected areas,” reads a statement from CSC. “Inmates will be returned to the institution once repairs have been completed and the affected areas are deemed safe and operational.” CSC didn’t specify how many inmates remain inside after 2018 were relocated, but said the facility has a maximum capacity of 446. Updates on the inmates’ return and when visitations resume will be provided by CSC, which noted the burst pipe isn’t related to the province’s ongoing wildfire situation.
