Pitt Meadows Autonomous RCMP Detachment

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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

Autonomous RCMP Detachment Conceptual Design Options
Informed by feedback received in 2021, conceptual design options for the RCMP detachment and an overall project update were presented to Council on May 3, 2022. The design of the new facility will be revised to incorporate feedback received during the meeting and staff will return to Council and the public later this spring. Council approved a project cost of up to $21,733,000, with $1,733,000 funded from the Facilities & Fixtures Reserve Fund - Major Buildings Reserve.

Art Gallery Relocation and Harris Park Washroom
Relocation options for the Pitt Meadows Art Gallery as well as conceptual designs for Harris Park washroom will be presented during the Engagement & Priorities Committee Meeting on May 17, 2022. Stay tuned for updates and learn more at pittmeadows.ca/councilmeetings.

Contract Awarded for Consulting Services 
November 30, 2021 - Council approved the recommendation to award to KMBR Architects Planners Inc for the design, tender, contract administration, and close-out for the new RCMP detachment and related projects . For more information, see the staff report and presentation to Council. 

Province Approves Autonomous RCMP Detachment in Pitt Meadows
November 26, 2021 - The Province of BC has granted approval for the City of Pitt Meadows to proceed with the creation of an autonomous detachment and to create and implement a transition plan. Read the full media release and watch the video announcement below.

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.

Timeline and Major Milestones

  • June 2019 – Police Services review launched
  •  February 2020 – Public invited to Engagement and Priorities Committee meeting at the Heritage Hall
  • March 2020 – Online feedback collected
  • February 2021 – Pitt Meadows RCMP Feasibility Study and site selection recommendation provided
  • March 2021 - Preferred site for future RCMP detachment selected
  • June 2021 – Approval of Electors by AAP process 
  • July 2021 - Council adopts Park Designation Amendment Bylaw
  • July 2021 – RFP issued for design of new detachment 
  • November 2021 -  Autonomous RCMP detachment in Pitt Meadows approved by province
  • November 2021 -  Council approved the recommendation to award to KMBR Architects Planners Inc for the design, tender, contract administration, and close-out for the new RCMP detachment and related projects     

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

Updates and Reports

Policing Services

Past Updates

RCMP

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