Modern New Building Now Open at Entrance to Downtown
PRINCE RUPERT, APRIL 30th, 2025 –The local RCMP staff have moved to their new location and are now fully operational following a multi-year construction project to build a new detachment. The City, RCMP as well as other local delegates and partners marked the completion of the project on April 29th with a formal flag raising, cake cutting, speeches and BBQ on site for the community.
“This has been a required upgrade for the City for many years, to ensure that the RCMP had working quarters that met Federal standards,” said Mayor Herb Pond. “Congratulations to the staff who worked hard to see this project through, at no impact to the tax payer. I’m also happy to see a new building gracing that corner, which is a good start on the renewal that the entry to our downtown core needs.”
The City received approval to construct the detachment at an estimated cost of $25 million, and came in under budget at approximately $23.5 million. The RCMP and support staff are excited to be moved over to the new facility, which better meets their needs and standards.
“The move into this fantastic new building marks the culmination of a long, dedicated journey by the City of Prince Rupert and RCMP leaders from the past,” said Prince Rupert RCMP Officer in Charge Gerald Walker. “Our officers and staff are excited for this new chapter, and are thankful for the strong relationships and support from the incredible people of this community. This is a truly rewarding community to serve in.”
BACKGROUND:
The City was notified it needed to upgrade the local RCMP in 2010, and worked for a decade to determine an appropriate site that could house a facility that would meet updated RCMP standards and also ensure there would be no disruption to local service. The new RCMP station is located on the site of the former Jehovah’s Witness Hall. The City securing the land was part of a land exchange conducted with the local Jehovah’s Witness congregation that enabled them to downsize and relocate their building, and the City to relocate the RCMP to a central downtown site.
Staff also proposed in 2019-2020, when new revenues from the Altagas development were received, that they be set aside to offset the future debt payments associated with the RCMP station loan. This proposal has meant that when the debt repayments come into effect next year, there will be no additional tax increase required to fund the debt making it a successful example of utilizing new industrial taxes to pay for infrastructure projects and not financially burdening existing taxpayers.
The building has efficient heating and cooling systems, modernized security features, and also showcases artwork from Nicholas John on it’s exterior, a local artist and designer who was the successful applicant to a Call for Artists that the City completed in 2024. As part of project design, the building also features outdoor lights that are scheduled to change colours to light up the artwork according to holidays and local events. Given the building is at a focal entrance point to the Downtown Core, this was seen as an opportunity to showcase civic pride and celebrate our diverse community.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Veronika Stewart, Manager of Communications, Engagement and Social Development
Office: (250) 627 0976
Cell: (778) 884 6285
Email: veronika.stewart@princerupert.ca