McLeod said the detachment is a milestone for MLCN; there’s never been a facility like this in the community.
She said residents have long been concerned about safety and believes the new building will play an important role in addressing those concerns.
McLeod also said the project is expected to improve access for officers responding to calls and provide a local place for community members to gather after traumatic events.
She said the facility is expected to include space where families can meet, talk and take part in cultural healing practices such as smudging when tragedy strikes.
McLeod added there are also plans for secure firearm storage at the detachment, something she said could help improve safety in a community where many residents hunt.
Staff Sgt. Richard Tonge of the RCMP North District Management Team said having a detachment in Montreal Lake, instead of relying on what is currently the host detachment in Waskesiu, will reduce travel time and free officers for more important tasks.
“Whatever keeps officers in the community benefits the community as a whole,” Tonge said.
Once the new building is complete, Waskesiu will switch to a satellite detachment.
The new detachment is also expected to include victim services, holding cells and interview rooms, allowing officers to carry out their duties locally rather than travelling about 40 kilometres back to Waskesiu or to Prince Albert.
Tonge said improved facilities can also help attract and retain officers, which in turn can lead to better policing service for residents.
McLeod said the broader message behind the project is simple: work together to make communities safer.
The 10,000 square foot building is expected to be done in March 2027 and is being built near an almost-completed women’s shelter. The detachment has a price tag of $16 million and is being funded by the federal and provincial governments.
The contractor who has the job of constructing the building, said it will start tomorrow with the creation of an access road to the lot cleared out of the forest, next to the highway.
In the future, MLCN hopes to pave the 10 kilometres of gravel road to connect to Highway 2, which McLeod said will help improve response time and safety even more.
The existing MLCN sub-office space will be returned to the First Nation. Nine RCMP officers currently serve the two communities, with five living on the First Nation and four based in Waskesiu.
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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com