New OPP detachment building coming to Sioux Lookout

Tim Brody - Editor

The Provincial Government has announced that Sioux Lookout is one of 12 communities where it will be building new Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) detachments. A new regional headquarters will also be built in Thunder Bay.
Other communities who will be receiving new OPP detachments are: Ignace, Niagara, Bracebridge, New Liskeard, Burlington, Kenora, Lancaster, Red Lake, Killaloe, Espanola/McKerrow and Wawa.
“Our government is making record investments to fight crime and protect Ontario communities,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner in a May 23 media release. “Once built, these new state-of-the-art facilities will respond to the demands of modern police operations and ensure the OPP have the tools and facilities they need to crack down on crime and protect our communities.”
“This project demonstrates a shared commitment with our government to ensure the OPP is as effective as possible at keeping communities safe,” said OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique. “Providing our officers, civilian and volunteer members with these modern new facilities will better position the OPP to evolve as we strive to be our very best at delivering on our public safety mandate.”
According to Infrastructure Ontario, “New detachments will range in size, and will include:
•    Closed circuit television (CCTV) systems to be included in all the new sites;
•    secure sallyport allowing for direct access to secure holding cells and prisoner processing area;
•    new accessibility standards in the public area;
•    exhibit/evidence vaults with a proper processing area;
•    holding cells;
•    modern building infrastructure to meet changing technology requirements.
The Provincial Government further shared that, “In partnership with Infrastructure Ontario, the province is launching a competitive process to find qualified teams to help design, build, and finance the new detachments. Interested parties can visit www.merx.com to download the Request for Qualifications (RFQ).”