Wellington OPP’s newest detachment, located here and owned by Wellington County, officially opened on June 20 with a large crowd of dignitaries, OPP officials, officers and members of the public on hand.
The 18,600-square-foot building, known as the northern command centre, will be the new home for about 50 officers and civilian staff working in the northern part of the county.
It is the newest of three detachments built by the county for its contracted OPP policing services, joining the southern detachment in Rockwood and the central detachment in Aboyne.
Detachment commander Inspector Scott Lawson said the state-of-the-art facility offers environmentally sustainable amenities in tune with the county’s Green Legacy building practices.
“We have been provided with some of the best facilities in Ontario,” Lawson told the crowd gathered at the official opening. “We will continue to serve with distinction and pride and the best the OPP can offer.”
The $7.5-million Teviotdale facility replaces buildings in Palmerston and Mount Forest. The Palmerston detachment was closed down and the Mount Forest detachment now houses specialized forensic services, with regular staff moved to Teviotdale.
Lawson thanked his uniform and civilian staff for the work to move materials from the two former locations when construction was finishing up during “the worst winter we’ve had.”
“We’ve worked hard to make Wellington County one of the safest places in Canada and making Wellington County one of the greatest places to live, work and play,” Lawson said, referring to the county receiving the safest community in Canada designation from Maclean’s Magazine in 2012.
Warden Chris White also noted the detachment is the third one built by the county.
“When the county does something we do it with pride,” White said of the environmental elements put into the building and grounds, including improved interior lighting and recycling for rain water.
White said the facility was a culmination combined efforts from county staff, architects, contractors, county and local politicians and the OPP.
“Our relationship with the OPP is second to none,” said White.
County councillor and Minto Mayor George Bridge also acknowledged the broad cooperation that made the facility a reality.
“Our town felt we were really part of it all the way through,” Bridge said of planning and construction.
He explained the property where the detachment is located was a former soccer pitch and ball diamond. Money from the sale of the land has allowed the municipality to spend money on a new soccer pitch in Clifford.
“All the money we got from the sale of the property has gone into recreation,” Bridge said.
Deputy OPP Commissioner Scott Tod also commented on the past use of the land as a Sports facility.
“As a former ball diamond, the OPP who work from this facility will continue to hit home runs for your community,” Tod said. “This is one of the most modern facilities for the OPP in Ontario.”
Tod also thanked other emergency services groups for working alongside the OPP.
“Wellington County is a tremendous example of the relationship with the OPP and the people of this county,” he said.
OPP Chief Superintendent John Cain credited retired OPP staff, some whom attended the event, for the work they did to pave the way for the detachment and better working conditions staff.
“This is a classic example of reinvesting from the past to the future,” Cain said.
Chris Hoffman, director of the Ontario Provincial Police Association, also credited the county for constructing a great building.
“It’s a priority for our organization to make sure our members are working in the best facilities. This building is a shining example of a state-of-the-art police facility.”
Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece brought greetings from the province.
“We have a partnership with the OPP … and people in our communities have grown to respect (them),” he said.
Russ Spicer, Police Services Board chair, said, “Policing has always been a key priority for the County of Wellington.
“This modern policing facility is impressive, inviting and complements the high standards for OPP facilities set by the Rockwood and Aboyne detachments. The North Wellington OPP Operations Centre will serve local policing needs.”
The crowd at the ceremony was treated to the singing of the national anthem by the Grade 5 choir from St. Mary’s school in Mount Forest.
