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WEST SHORE MUNICIPALITIES PROVIDE UPDATE ON RCMP FACILITY EXPANSION PROJECT

(Langford, B.C.) –  The West Shore RCMP detachment serves the rapidly growing communities of Langford, Colwood, View Royal, as well as Metchosin, Highlands, Songhees First Nation, and Xwsepsum First Nation. The West Shore RCMP detachment building has exceeded its capacity, making it increasingly difficult to address the public safety needs of the growing population. The original detachment was built in the 1960s and expanded in the late 1990s. Temporary space has been secured at Langford City Hall, which provides a short-term solution. Construction is proposed to take place on the existing site, which allows for the use of the newer section of the existing building, which will be integrated into the final design.

The property and building, located at 698 Atkins Avenue is jointly owned by the City of Langford, the City of Colwood, and the Town of View Royal (the “Owners Group”), who are working closely with the Capital Regional District (CRD) to advance this critical public safety project. This project builds upon the existing strong partnership within the Owners Group, as demonstrated by the ongoing commitment to fire department mutual aid agreements, joint recreation services, and shared policing resources.

At its November 12, 2025, meeting, the CRD Board gave the first three readings to two bylaws to support the expansion of the West Shore RCMP detachment at its current location in Langford. The bylaws include a Service Establishment Bylaw that creates a sub-regional service between the Owners Group for the purpose of the new building, and a Loan Authorization Bylaw that permits up to $103 million in borrowing for construction. This amount includes building costs, land acquisition costs, insurance, project management, and contingency.

The bylaws build on previous work by the municipalities and the CRD to formalize their partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), which was approved by all three Councils. The MOU outlines the roles and responsibilities of each party, the project’s financing structure, and the approach to project management by the municipalities. This process enables the CRD to borrow funds on behalf of the municipalities, who will repay the amount over 25 years. The CRD has greater borrowing capacity, and a single loan is more cost effective and efficient than three separate loans. This approach streamlines the process and enables the municipalities to effectively address urgent space needs to support public safety.

Project Approach
The expansion project uses an Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) model, bringing together municipal representatives and a team of architects, engineers, and trades to collaborate on shared goals through transparent decision-making and efficient use of funds. This approach shares the risk among all participants, including private contractors.

In early 2026, a validation report will be brought forward by the IPD team to each Council within the Owners Group to confirm the project can be constructed within the $87.5 million target and meet the Owner Group’s requirements. Once deemed feasible, Colwood, Langford, and View Royal Councils will each decide whether to proceed.

In addition, over the coming weeks, each Council will be asked to give Council consent on behalf of the electors in each municipality. Once approved, both bylaws will be forwarded to the Inspector of Municipalities for Provincial approval.

Langford, with input and support from Colwood and View Royal, will manage land acquisition, design, construction, and insurance. Once all requirements are met, ownership will revert to the municipalities in their agreed proportions. Other communities and First Nations serviced by the detachment will pay lease costs, as determined by their respective policing arrangements.

Complex infrastructure projects of this nature offer limited opportunities for public input due to mandated requirements on size, design, and functionality. The municipalities must show strong leadership to act in the communities’ best interests and meet contracted obligations in alignment with their Municipal Police Unit Agreements to provide adequate RCMP space. Working collaboratively, the three partner municipalities are committed to advancing this critical project on time and within budget.

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Project Background and Timeline

• In 2019, the RCMP presented the Owners Group with a preliminary space needs assessment demonstrating that the current facility was reaching capacity.
• In 2020, the municipalities of Colwood, Langford, and View Royal retained WA Architects and Colliers Project Leaders to perform site selection, site surveys, assess space requirements, and develop conceptual designs following notification from the detachment Officer in Charge that the facility was reaching capacity.
• In February 2023, the municipalities established a Joint Police Facilities Steering Committee to finalize the scope and preliminaries. Following this, each Council passed a resolution asking the CRD to create a sub-regional “Building Service” to debt-finance the expansion.
• In July 2025, the CRD Board passed a motion for the CRD to continue discussions with staff from the municipalities of Colwood, Langford, and View Royal to explore the creation of a sub-regional service to expand the West Shore RCMP detachment.
• At the November 12, 2025, CRD Board Meeting, the CRD Board approved the West Shore RCMP Building Cost Sharing Memorandum of Understanding. Under this agreement, the CRD will borrow $103 million through the Municipal Finance Authority (MFA) and transfer the funds to Langford in trust, retaining title to the building until repayment.
• While the project is budgeted for $87.5 million, the $103 million includes the base design and construction, land acquisition costs, contingencies, and owner costs.
• At the same November 12, 2025, meeting, the CRD Board approved the Service Establishment Bylaw to formalize the sub-regional partnership among Colwood, Langford, and View Royal, and the Loan Authorization Bylaw, which permits up to $103 million in borrowing for construction.
• In January 2026, validation reports will come to each of the three Councils of the partner municipalities to determine whether the project will proceed.
• The Owners Group will be actively engaging with the provincial and federal governments for funding assistance to reduce the burden to the taxpayers.
• The project is anticipated to be completed in 2029.
• For more information visit RCMP Detachment – City of Langford

MEDIA CONTACTS
City of Langford
Harriet D’Costa
Communications Advisor


City of Colwood
Sandra RussellManager of Communications, Community Relations & Economic Development
 

Town of View Royal
Kelsea Korki
Communications and Engagement Coordinator