CLOSEAbout the RCMP Facility Expansion
The West Shore RCMP serves the rapidly growing communities of Langford, Colwood, View Royal, Metchosin, Highlands, Songhees First Nation, and Esquimalt First Nation. To ensure the police force can continue to serve this growing population, the municipalities are exploring options to expand the West Shore RCMP detachment.
Why is an expansion required?
The current detachment was constructed in the late 1990s, serving a population of approximately 47,000 people (1999 census). Since then, the West Shore region has experienced significant growth and is now home to more than 85,000 people (2021 census). This has resulted in higher demands for police services and staffing. Here are the reasons the expansion is necessary:
- Rapid Population Growth: The population increase in the communities across the West Shore has created the need to hire additional officers, which has put a demand on the building’s capacity.
- Space Limitations: The current facility provides 37,000 sq ft for 174 RCMP Officers, support staff, equipment, and vehicles. That number is forecasted to grow by five to seven staff each year to serve our growing population. Temporary overflow spaces have been secured, but these are short-term solutions.
- Operational Challenges: Without expansion, the detachment cannot meet the current and future policing needs of the community effectively.
This expansion will support the RCMP to operate efficiently and continue to provide the high level of service our communities expect.
How is the facility expansion being managed?
The project is using an Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) model. This approach brings together architects, builders, engineers, the RCMP and municipal representatives in a collaborative process to ensure the best outcomes. The focus is on shared goals, transparent decision-making, and efficient use of funds.
Where are we in the process?
- Pre-Validation Phase (Complete): Initial steps included securing overflow detachment space, determining the project budget, and selecting project partners like architects and contractors.
- Validation Phase (January–August 2025): This phase will refine the project scope, budget, and design through collaborative workshops and determine whether the project will proceed.
- Detailed Design (2025–2026): Finalizing the building design with input from all partners.
- Construction (2025–2028): Demolition of portions of the detachment, site preparation, and construction an expanded detachment.
How will the facility expansion be paid for?
Borrowing to fund the proposed detachment expansion will be facilitated through partnership with the Capital Regional District (CRD). It is expected that the borrowing for this project will be for a period of 20-25 years. In the coming months, the CRD will present details around borrowing options to the three West Shore Councils (Langford, Colwood, View Royal) who are joint owners of the facility. To be notified once the Council meeting date is determined, make sure to register at LetsChatLangford.ca.
What does this mean for the City of Langford?
As one of the funding municipalities, the City of Langford is committed to ensuring this project meets our community’s policing needs while being financially responsible. The current West Shore detachment was constructed in 1999 and has allowed for 25 years of growth. The expansion is being planned to accommodate a similar 20-25 years of growth. The project has a budget of $87.5 million plus a 25% contingency. Project funding will be managed collaboratively across the three facility owner municipalities.
