Stratford police headquarters could be leaving the downtown core.
On Monday night, city council voted in favour of buying property at 10 and 52 Wright Boulevard for a new police facility.
A needs assessment found the current police facilities on George Street and Erie Street have fragmented space, inadequate parking, no secure vestibule for safe transfers of those in custody, and no suitable space to expand forensics.
Chief of Police Paul Landers said while the George Street facility (originally built in the 1960’s) has done its job well, it has passed its expiration date.
“The members are cramped, and there is a buzz about the possibility of getting into a new building.”
CAO André Morin said the former Scotiabank operations Centre offers more space for police and other components of the criminal justice system including the courts.
According to Morin’s management report, city staff took part in assessments of the site as part of a due-diligence period, following council’s vote to enter a non-binding agreement to buy the property in May.
Staff found that the existing structure is in generally good condition, with some improvements required for certain mechanical and electrical systems.
Morin said it’ll cost $12 million to buy the property, with another $24 million to be spent building the facility. He adds the project could last for more than 18 months.
Council held a lengthy discussion about the motion, with concerns about capital improvements for the courts, differences in costs, space management for the site, and additional funding and design.
Morin said the courts would be responsible for their portion of the building, including capital improvements. He added that more information on space management will be provided down the road.
Resident Jane Marie Mitchell said the property is too big.
“Do we really need something this big, even into the future. It’s like buying that 10-bedroom mansion, when all you need is a four-bedroom house.”
She argued that the greater the size of the building, the greater the cost it’ll be to maintain operations, adding the motion is not ready for approval.
Landers wants to see some aspects of their training facility put into the new building.
Councillors Geza Wordofa and Cody Sebben voted against purchasing the property.
Councillors Brad Beatty and Lesley Biehn were not at the meeting.
Staff will advance a more detailed design of the site and prepare an implementation plan for city council.
