Today, the newly constructed Rocky Harbour Detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, which serves Rocky Harbour and surrounding communities, opened its doors for operation. The new detachment was constructed at a project cost of $6.8 million, funded at 70 per cent by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and 30 per cent by the Government of Canada. Located at 28 West Link Road, the new facility features state-of-the-art design and replaces the previous detachment which was over 50 years old.
"The RCMP is very pleased to be adding to the infrastructure of the Great Northern Peninsula with a new modern space for our police officers and residents," said Assistant Commissioner Ches Parsons, Commanding Officer of RCMP NL. "The Detachment building has always served as a symbol of the relationship and connection we have with the communities we serve. We are proud of the connections we have created and strengthened with the residents, councils, local community groups and the people we serve across the Rocky Harbour Detachment area."
RCMP employees led project management for the new detachment, with construction by Brook Construction out of Corner Brook. The building's design was adapted from an original Atlantic Region design first used in this province for the Whitbourne Detachment by Stantec Architecture & Engineering in St. John's. This is the third detachment of this type in Newfoundland and Labrador and serves as a template for future RCMP detachment projects in Newfoundland and Labrador.
"It feels wonderful to move into a contemporary detachment building constructed specifically for the RCMP with modern, efficient technology," said Sergeant Dave Cooper, Operations Sergeant in Charge of Northern Peninsula Operations. "The previous detachment served the RCMP for over half a century and, while policing has gone through quite an evolution during that time period, the building we were housed in had not. With new interview room facilities and improved layout, this new Detachment is welcomed by our employees and will better serve the residents of the area."
Features of the new 565-square-meter Net Zero Carbon Ready building include state-of-the-art thermal design, automated lighting and plumbing fixtures, and a flexible design concept that will allow for future additions and renovations. The detachment also features a fully functional cell pavilion with secure cells, a breath-testing and fingerprinting area, and a secure bay for prisoner transfers.
RCMP officers work out of the detachment seven days a week, and front-counter service, is available to the public Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To contact the Rocky Harbour Detachment, call 709-458-2222.
Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, an official grand opening ceremony will take place at a later time.