After three years of extensive review, research and consultation, the City has received approval from the Province and is transitioning towards an autonomous RCMP Detachment in order to provide enhanced police visibility, public safety, service levels and responsiveness in Pitt Meadows.
Enhancing Public Safety and Service for Pitt Meadows
By creating an autonomous RCMP Detachment in Pitt Meadows, the City is confident that police services will better meet the specific safety needs and concerns of our community. The community engagement conducted and feedback that the City has received to date demonstrates that the majority of our residents support this decision, as well as Katzie First Nation, the Ridge Meadows RCMP, City of Maple Ridge and the National Police Federation.
What's New
RCMP Detachment Construction Update
On February 27, 2024, City staff provided an update on the progress and milestones reached with the construction of the City's new RCMP detachment to Council. View the presentation here.
City Breaks Ground on New Autonomous RCMP Detachment
The City celebrated the start of construction of the new autonomous RCMP detachment with an official ground breaking ceremony on November 29, 2023, which is available online to watch here.
Pitt Meadows Art Gallery Relocation
Next Steps
City staff are developing a transition plan that will span several years. Updates and information will be shared as it becomes available.
Overview
In June 2019, the City of Pitt Meadows embarked on a review of the integrated Ridge Meadows RCMP Detachment. The review included reports from a variety of independent consultants that explored the existing RCMP structure and operations with the goal of enhancing: service levels, police response times, return on investment, the focus on local priorities and to bolster our community confidence regarding public safety.
The City has engaged in discussions with all rights holders and stakeholders including the Katzie First Nation, MP Marc Dalton, MLA Lisa Beare and the Province of BC, the RCMP and the National Police Federation (union). Discussions have been collegial and supportive—with all sharing the common goal of enhancing public safety. The City has undertaken extensive community consultation that included an online survey, Engagement and Priority Committee meetings and special Council meetings. In addition, the City conducted an alternative approval process that resulted in only 1.4 percent of community opposed to the removal of a 10-metre parcel of parkland, allowing the new detachment in this location.
This de-integration is the first of its kind in British Columbia. It reflects the responsiveness of the RCMP and the Province of BC and demonstrates an appreciation for local government priorities related to public safety.
Quick Facts
- Policing Services comprise of 22.7 percent or $5.58 million of the City’s operational budget.
- The autonomous RCMP detachment would operate within this existing budget and provide much better service to our unique community and better return on our investment.
- The police services building would be funded without a property tax increase and by potential grant money.
- With our own detachment, Pitt Meadows will see five dedicated members per shift (currently two) and its own dedicated Officer in Charge.
- We will still have access to the RCMP’s integrated units such as homicide, major crime, gangs, forensics, and fatal vehicle accident