[3] It was built at the same time as the adjacent East Coast Forensic Hospital which is not open to the general public, serving only patients coming from the justice system.

[2] This arrangement is unique in Canada and allows the two institutions to share laundry, cooking, and recreational facilities as well as security staff.

Originally construction had begun at Jack Lake, near the Bedford Rifle Range.

Although surrounded by forest and far more isolated than the current site, affluent Bedford residents balked at the plan[citation needed].

In response, construction was halted and the province announced in October 1999 that the new site in Burnside had been chosen.