Renovations are set to begin on the RCMP’s cramped community policing office in Pitt Meadows.
The $1.4-million project, which includes Community Infrastructure Improvement Fund grant of $242,750, will see the space inside the recreation centre transformed into a fully functioning office for Ridge Meadows RCMP.
Originally opened as a community policing office, the space has become a satellite detachment to Maple Ridge, where people walk in to report crimes and officers conduct interviews with little privacy.
The 1,480-square-foot office is currently shared by two constables per watch, an office manager, volunteers and other general duty or specialized team officers who may need access to the RCMP database while in the city.
Driving to Maple Ridge – a 20-minute trip – isn’t practical for constables who are required to remain in the city throughout their shifts.
The renovations will add an additional 2,100 sq. ft. to the office, including interview rooms and a space for Breathalyzer tests.
The renovations will also combine the weight and multipurpose rooms into a larger space for people to exercise.
Michael Millward, facilities operation manager for the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Parks and Recreation Service, said the renovations were originally meant to take place in two phases.
The first phase, which involved converting the former seniors’ lounge, did not proceed as quotations came in much higher than anticipated.
Millward said staff will try to incorporate some of the planned renovations to the seniors’ lounge in this phase of construction by using funds from the city’s facilities infrastructure life cycle reserve.
Millward said Pax Construction has been chosen to complete the renovations, but a timeline for completion won’t be determined until later this week.