Official Unveiling of $38.9M PG RCMP Detachment
RCMP brass and Prince George City Mayor Shari Green cut ribbon on new Prince George Detachment 250News photo
RCMP Commissioner, Bob Paulson, flew in from Ottawa for the event, as did Assistant Commissioner, Brenda Butterworth-Carr, now Commanding Officer in Saskatchewan. It was Butterworth-Carr who was Superintendent of the Prince George Detachment when the push for a new local detachment gained momentum. Project design began in 2007, it reached tender stage in 2011.
Current Superintendent, Eric Stubbs, thanked Butterworth-Carr for doing the 'heavy lifting' involved in making the new detachment a reality. He said today is a truly significant event for the Prince George RCMP – one, members have been looking forward to for years.
He emphasized it's a City of Prince George building, but said, "I can tell you the tenants are pleased with their landlords." The new detachment is double the size of the old detachment, and has been developed as a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) facility. It taps into the City's District Energy System, uses solar panels to heat the hot water system, a groundwater well will be used for building cooling, energy use will be 61-percent below the Model National Energy Code, and water will be collected from the roofs and used for fixture flushing in the building.
The new detachment will become 'home' to 140 RCMP members, 65 municipal staff, and bylaw services.
Speaking directly to Mayor Shari Green, Stubbs said, "I guarantee you, your worship, that we will continue to be relentless in driving down crime in this community, but, now, in a work environment that will help our members achieve even more success."
For her part, Mayor Green said, "This day is long in coming for many of us and many councils have worked very hard, and debated very hard over the years, to ensure that this building became a reality."
The RCMP's Commanding Officer for BC, Deputy Commissioner, Craig Callens, began his career as an officer in Prince George in the winter of 1986. He recalled moving to occupy not only the upstairs of the current RCMP building, but the main floor as well, that spring. "The kind of 'lift' that that gave to the morale of the members and the employees, and the kind of gratitude and appreciation we felt for our municipal partners to have afforded us the extra room to deliver our police service," said Callens. "So I can only imagine what kind of feelings will be running through the hearts of members and the employees when they have an opportunity to move into this spectacular building and detachment."
Commissioner Paulson commented on the special nature of Prince George in the 'construction' of RCMP officers, saying there's something 'profound' that happens to officers who serve in the city, pointing to Deputy Commissioner Callens, Brenda Butterworth-Carr, and Prince George-Mackenzie MLA, Mike Morris, a retired superintendent, who was also at the unveiling.
He said the RCMP is grateful for the unique relationships that officers are able to form with the citizens, as evidenced by the new building. "And for that, we're very, very grateful," said Paulson.
It's a tremendous place for our officers to work, but it's also a tremendous demonstration of respect to the citizens and people of this community as we, together, try to deliver policing services into the new century."
Comments
Butterworth-Carr didn’t get in on the ribbon cutting?
“Lesser politicians might have wavered under some criticism about spending these kinds of tax dollars,” said Green. “But I know that when we raise our hand and we make a decision, we stand by it and I’m very proud to be among those today who did the right thing for our RCMP members and the city will benefit as a result” .. easy to say when its not your money. “Lesser politicians?” What the hell does that mean. She actually thinks this shrine to the cops is a good idea, incredible.
“But I know that when we raise our hand and we make a decision, we stand by it”
I’m assuming this DOESN’T apply to all the other decisions she’s made. Like the 10% savings in all departments.
I wish i could say im impressed. This is such a waste of tax dollars. So now where will they park the space ships? Does this mean less crime? Will they have a timmies in the building? Is it really all wood? The other day I watched a big fuel truck run a red light at 5th and bypass. The police officer right besise me seen it also and ignored it.
Im a bit discusted . Sorry.
I see Brian was not in attendance⦠smart man!
I think the tax payers should be thanked for “doing the heavy lifting”, we’re the one’s stuck having to pay for it. A bit too much “artist license” and not enough “form and function” for a police station in my opinion. Time will tell if the “protection and service” will live up to the “fancy digs”.
We would have had the same speeches, and people in attendance if we had built a $28 Million police station in a different location.
They keep referring to the cost as $38.95 Million dollar building, knowing full well that it was financed over 20 years and the actual cost with the interest will be closer to $80 Million.
Every cent for this building is coming from PG Taxpayers. No money from the Province, or Federal Government, so we get to pay for it all.
No one begrudged the Police a better building however, a more functional building, located East of Queensway on Scotia St., built on property already owned by the City would have made more sense.
As it is now, this building is a testament for the Cities total disregard for tax dollars, and we will have to look at it every time we go downtown. Enjoy the view.
Where was my invite to the ceremony… I/We paid for the “le cop chatteu”
“But I know that when we raise our hand and we make a decision, we stand by it”
Hmmmm …. I hope that the PAC Society will remind the Mayor of that sentiment on Monday night when they make their presentation to Council. …. ;-)
When they say 38.9 million dollars,they are telling a half-truth. If this building was paid for in cash it would be that amount, but alas, we are financing 39 million dollars over twenty years and now the price is around 75 million dollars. Doesn’t sound so damn rosey when you tell the truth. Servicing this debt will cost the rest of the millions not mentioned. Keep in mind that the future residents will pay for this building and if the population does not grow (as usual) this bill will be a burden to the seniors and any residents who decide to stay here. Also take into consideration the increase in taxes that will occur should the population shrink. It’s obvious why the rich move out of town and build big mansions on the outskirts. The middle class stays in town and pays the bills. I have every intention of leaving this town soon. Hixon looks inviting.
It’s just another way to spruce up the down town. So now I hope all of down town looks as good as this, if that’s the case I’m out of this hell hole
What’s the food like? You could call it the B&E B&B.
Could the folks at these new digs spare a little square footage office just inside the front door to be used for a needle exchange office? Lotsa cameras would be nice, too. Is it going to have a greeter, guard or constable at the front door to discourage surly deadbeat ne’er do wells and citizens from trespassing, Er, wandering around the building? Will one have to sign in and get a badge clip and an escort to wander around inside looking for someone? Maybe a pencil pushing officer like on Terminator who heard that famous “I’ll be back” phrase? Next time I drive by I will have to check out whether someone can drive a car through the front door. A most interesting and amusing set of circumstance. Carry on.
People#1, Brian was probably not there because his father passed away recently. Sorry for your loss Brian.
Just saw a picture of the new RCMP digs. Saw the front door. After reading y smart ass comment I am sure someone will get someone to install three or four mega 6 inch cement and steel posts about four feet high across the sidewalk like Wal-Mart and Future shop did. Happy if I make them paranoid. I’ll pay for that.
Harbinger, you must have inside knowledge, you are hilarious!
Needle exchange, I can just see it! LMAO!
You forgot, the legal aid office staffed by a wannabe lawyer 24/7 in cells.
Thanks for the explanation tax, and duly noted. Brian, my apologies, I am sorry to hear about your father’s passing :-(
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