FORT FRANCES – The Ontario Government is putting people’s safety first by investing approximately $20 million into the construction of a new state-of-the-art Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) detachment in Fort Frances. The new detachment will ensure local communities continue to receive the modern, cost-efficient and first-class policing services they need and deserve.
Sylvia Jones, Solicitor General, was at the construction site today to take part in the official groundbreaking ceremony along with Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines and Minister of Indigenous Affairs, and Member of Provincial Parliament for Kenora—Rainy River.
“Ontarians should rest assured that our government will always put their safety first,” said Jones. “That is why, we are extremely proud to build a new detachment in Fort Frances, ensuring our frontline police officers have access to state-of-the-art facilities, equipment, and resources that they need to protect their local communities.”
The Fort Frances detachment will provide 20,000 square feet of space, a modern infrastructure designed to support ever-changing technology requirements, seven holding cells, a spacious vault to secure evidence, as well as CCTV and other advanced security features.
The construction of the Fort Frances detachment is part of the OPP Modernization – Phase 2 project, a $182-million initiative announced last year to replace a total of nine aging OPP facilities across the province that no longer meet the requirements of modern police operations.
“The OPP looks forward to our Fort Frances Detachment personnel having a new, state-of-the-art facility that allows them to better address the increasing demands and challenges of modern police operations,” said Thomas Carrique, Commissioner, Ontario Provincial Police.
The OPP Modernization – Phase 2 project is a central part of the government’s infrastructure investments for the people.
“Our government came to office on a promise to provide police with the tools, resources and supports they need to do their jobs effectively,” said Rickford. “This includes a new facility that is capable to meet the demands of modern police operations in Fort Frances. Few things are more important than the security of the people.”
“Infrastructure Ontario is thrilled that the Fort Frances OPP Detachment has officially broken ground. The detachment joins eight other projects to modernize OPP facilities across the province,” said Ehren Cory, President and CEO, Infrastructure Ontario. “We are proud to work with our partners at Bird Construction, the OPP, the Ministry of the Solicitor General, and the Ministry of Infrastructure to deliver successful results for so many communities.”
“Today’s $20-million infrastructure investment means that our province’s police in Northern Ontario will have better access to the tools and technologies they need to better protect our rural communities, residents and streets,” said Laurie Scott, Minister of Infrastructure. “We’re investing in infrastructure that puts people’s safety first.”
