Inmates temporarily relocated from Matsqui Institution due to water damage

From: Correctional Service Canada

News release

August 9, 2026 – Abbotsford, British Columbia – Correctional Service Canada

The Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) has temporarily relocated 218 inmates from Matsqui Institution, a medium-security federal correctional institution in British Columbia, following significant flooding and damage caused by a burst water pipe within the facility on August 8, 2026.

The safety and security of the public, staff and inmates remain CSC's highest priorities. The incident affected three units of the institution – not all – and necessitated the evacuation of inmates in affected areas while urgent repairs are undertaken.

The inmates involved were safely transferred, in accordance with established security protocols and operational procedures, either to unaffected areas within Matsqui Institution or to other federal institutions in the region.

Assessment and repair work at Matsqui Institution is underway. CSC is working to restore affected areas as quickly as possible, and inmates will be returned to the institution once repairs have been completed and the affected areas are deemed safe and operational.

As a result of the incident, visits at Matsqui Institution are suspended until further notice. CSC will continue to provide updates as information becomes available and will notify the public when inmate visits can safely resume.

CSC thanks its staff and partners for their ongoing support, professionalism and collaboration during this time.

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Quick facts

  • Matsqui Institution is a medium-security federal institution located in Abbotsford, British Columbia. The institution has a rated capacity of 446 inmates.

  • This is a partial and temporary evacuation resulting from water damage caused by a burst pipe.

  • This incident is not, in any way, linked to the current wildfire situation in British Columbia.

  • In accordance with health and safety requirements, affected inmates have been relocated while emergency repairs are completed and will return once the affected areas are safe and operational.

  • Public safety remains at the forefront of all CSC operations, and emergency plans are in place at all institutions to respond to a range of incidents and emergency situations.

Contacts

Media Relations
Correctional Service of Canada
Telephone: 613-992-7711
Email: media@csc-scc.gc.ca

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Page details

2026-08-09