Another women’s prison is set to expand as the number of women in prison continues to increase.

For the second time in less than a decade, the Grand Valley Institution for Women is expanding. Construction of three new cottages will increase the prison's capacity by 30 beds to 165. Prison authorities say the new units are needed because of the rising number of federally sentenced women.

The expansion several years ago cost almost $8-million and increased capacity by one third. Since then a maximum unit was built that has space for 15 prisoners.

Women are one of the fastest growing prisoner populations worldwide, the majority are convicted on non-violent offences related to addiction and poverty. Community advocates argue this money would be far more effectively and humanely spent outside the criminal justice system, in the community, to support those struggling with poverty, addiction and other issues that often lead women to become criminalized.