CRD Board Approves $103 Million Loan for New West Shore RCMP Detachment

The Capital Regional District (CRD) board has conditionally approved a plan to borrow up to $103 million for the construction of a new detachment for the West Shore RCMP. This decision comes as the current facility, located at 698 Atkins Ave., has been deemed inadequate, being built in the 1960s and expanded in 1999.

The existing detachment spans approximately 37,000 square feet and is at the end of its operational life. The proposed new facility is expected to be nearly three times its current size. “This is something that is very much at the heart for us in the West Shore,” said Langford Mayor Scott Goodmanson. He emphasized the necessity of the project, stating that the current space falls far short of the needs of the RCMP and that the new detachment is essential for meeting community demands over the next 20 years.

Financial and Operational Considerations

The projected costs for the new building and land acquisition are estimated at around $82 million. The CRD has included a 25 percent contingency in its borrowing plan to address potential unforeseen expenses. To advance this initiative, the municipalities of Langford, Colwood, and View Royal are discussing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the CRD. This agreement would allow the CRD to borrow the necessary funds, which the three municipalities would then repay over a 25-year period.

View Royal Mayor Sid Tobias highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that current space limitations have forced some RCMP members to work in temporary “swing spaces.” He remarked, “Contractually, we’re obligated by our RCMP contract to provide adequate space for our members.” In addition, there are specific communications security requirements and other criteria that need to be met for constructing a building that can operate as a post-disaster facility.

Next Steps for Approval

The next phase requires the three municipalities to review the proposal and decide on its approval. If they agree, the plan will then need endorsement from the voters in Langford, Colwood, and View Royal. The CRD has indicated that this approval can take place either through a referendum or an Alternative Approval Process.

As the West Shore communities prepare for this significant investment, the proposed detachment aims to enhance safety and responsiveness to the growing population’s needs. The CRD board’s decision marks a pivotal moment in addressing the infrastructural needs of local law enforcement in the region.