NEW MINAS - Kings District RCMP members could have a state of the art headquarters as soon as early 2019.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held at the active construction site at 8833 Commercial Street in New Minas Nov. 2.
Assistant Commissioner Brian Brennan, commanding officer of the Nova Scotia RCMP, said the $9,547,000 million project denotes a significant commitment to policing.
“We’re here for a groundbreaking ceremony. I think we’re a bit behind; looks like they’ve broken lots of ground already and are well on their way building this fabulous facility,” quipped Brennan, in presenting the opening remarks at the ceremony.
“These investments don’t come without a lot of hard work behind the scenes.”
Staff Sgt. Paul Coughlin of Kings District RCMP said the new building will allow for more policing units in Kings to be based under the same roof.
“It’s nice to have everybody together so there’s a good sharing of resources,” said Coughlin in a brief interview following the formal remarks.
The detachment on Jones Road is 35 years old, and smaller than the building plotted out for a parcel of land located across the street from the old bowling alley along Commercial Street.
More than 70 employees will be based out of the new location, including a mix of administrative and operational staff. There will be space for: New Minas detachment members, the Southwest Nova Major Crimes Unit, Traffic Services, General Investigation Section, Forensic Identification Services and Police Dog Services.
“It’s going to be a good working environment for the members… there’s a little more space, a little more efficiencies as far as how we do things,” said Coughlin.
