Five-Year Plan Details Infrastructure Program for RCMP

The new agreement for the provision of policing services by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Newfoundland and Labrador includes strategic investments for updating and replacing detachments in the province. Through Budget 2012: People and Prosperity, the Provincial Government has made an additional investment of $3.9 million in each of the next five years to a new infrastructure program which represents the province’s 70 per cent share.

“With more input into major capital decisions as a result of the new agreement, the Provincial Government is able to make strategic decisions into which detachments should be replaced or renovated to better serve the needs of citizens,” said the Honourable Felix Collins, Minister of Justice and Attorney General. “The five-year infrastructure plan will see significant renovations or replacement of detachments and living quarters throughout the province. Some of these buildings are up to 60 years old and no longer meet the necessary standards required to carry out present-day policing activities.”

Through consultation with the RCMP, the province has identified five detachments which need to be renovated or replaced during this five-year plan. These detachments are St. Anthony, Twillingate, Rocky Harbour, Clarenville, and Whitbourne with the renovations currently underway at the St. Anthony detachment being completed this year. In addition, the replacement of Twillingate will begin this year. This plan is contingent upon no other emerging major capital improvements being required at other detachments over the duration of the five-year plan and accurate initial cost estimates of these specific projects. In addition, minor capital improvements will be ongoing throughout the five-year plan for other detachments.

“The RCMP prides itself on providing quality policing for the citizens of Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Superintendent Andrew Boland, Acting Commanding Officer of RCMP “B” Division. “The detachments identified in this five-year plan have outlived their useful life. Policing standards have changed significantly over the years and these detachment replacements and renovations will go a long way in addressing our infrastructure requirements for today and into the future.”

The new agreement for RCMP services between the Provincial and Federal Governments is based on partnership, accountability and cost containment. It came into effect on April 1, 2012 and runs for 20 years.

The Provincial Government continues to support both the RCMP and the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) in Newfoundland and Labrador. Since 2004, policing budgets have increased by over $52 million and there are an additional 145 uniformed police officers on the street. The RCMP operates in approximately 50 locations throughout the province with over 440 uniformed members in addition to numerous civilian members and public service employees. The RNC operates in the Northeast Avalon, Corner Brook area and Labrador West.

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2012 04 27             11:10 a.m.