The Edmonton maximum security prison and the Edmonton women's prison are going to be expanded, federal documents show.

Public Works and Government Services Canada said in a procurement posting that it is "seeking drawings and specifications for a maximum security housing unit to be located at the prison," which is officially called the Edmonton Institution but is known locally as the Max.

As well, Public Works is calling for work to "adapt existing drawings and specifications for a new 40-bed living unit to be located at the Edmonton Institution for Women."

The Institution for Women is a multi-level prison that "opened in 1995 and can accommodate up to 123 inmates," the Correctional Service Canada said on its website.

The federal government is expected to officially announce details about the Edmonton projects in mid-January.

In October, the federal government said it will spend $155.5 million to expand prisons in Ontario and Quebec.

Of that, $95 million will go toward building new "living units" at the Bath, Collins Bay and Millhaven institutions. The remaining $60 million will be spent on new beds at three minimum security institutions in Laval, Que., and the Federal Training Centre Montée St-François Institution in Laval, as well as the federal prison in Sainte-Anne-des-Plaines, Que.

At the time of the announcement, the Conservatives said the expansions will improve the protection, safety and security of Canadians.

"Our government is proud to be on the right side of this issue — the side of law-abiding citizens, the side of victims who want justice, and the side that understands the cost of a safe and secure society is an investment worth making," Public Safety Minister Vic Toews said.