The Nova Scotia RCMP announced today an investment of $9,547,000 in New Minas for the construction of a new detachment. Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC), on behalf of the RCMP, awarded the contract to Maxim Construction Inc.
"Our government is proud to support the RCMP in its long-standing tradition of serving Canadians in communities across the country," says the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Public Services and Procurement. "This new environmentally sustainable facility will ensure the dedicated staff of the RCMP have a modern, accessible workplace, while the contract for its construction will support good middle-class jobs in New Minas."
The detachment will be built in downtown New Minas at 8833 Commercial St. It will replace the existing 35-year-old detachment 18 Jones Rd. Construction is expected to begin in late September or early October 2017 and to be completed by January 2019.
"The RCMP is an integral part of our communities," says the Honourable Scott Brison, Member of Parliament for Kings – Hants. "By centralizing a number of services under one roof, this construction project will strengthen collaboration between units, improve efficiencies and help our police force keep Nova Scotians and their communities safe."
The new detachment will house 73 full-time employees, bringing together various RCMP services – including the Major Crimes Unit (MCU), Traffic Services, General Investigation Section (GIS), Forensic Identification Services (FIS), District Policing Office (DPO) and Police Dog Services (PDS) – under one roof. Currently, GIS, FIS and PDS are located within the existing detachment but the other services are housed elsewhere. Traffic Services is in Wolfville and DPO and MCU are in different New Minas locations. This new building will unite the groups, leading to improved operations and more efficient collaboration.
"It's an exciting time. Today's contract award is another example of how the RCMP as the Provincial Police for Nova Scotia is investing in our communities," says A/Commr. Brian Brennan, Commanding Officer of the Nova Scotia RCMP. "The detachment will offer a modern and efficient work environment for our employees and will ensure we continue to provide top-quality policing services to the local residents."
The project will be managed by an integrated RCMP-PSPC team. The RCMP Strategic Planning and Project Management Office will deliver the design and tender package and provide advice and guidance on the technical and security requirements with input from departmental representatives. PSPC will provide construction management services. The building will emphasize energy conservation practices.
Note to media: an artist's rendering of the detachment is attached as well as a photo of the detachment site.
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