the broken typewriter

Larger RCMP building keeps pace with city population over the years

Just three months shy of the 40th anniversary of the completion of the previous building, the City of Fort St. John and the RCMP celebrated the opening of the new, modern, eco-friendly three storey police detachment.

Over the years since Fort St. John was founded, the RCMP detachment has grown. And like the city it serves, it was located in various spots around the area before settling in its’ permanent neighbourhood near City Hall. From the first location across the Peace River – this building can be seen in the grounds of the North Peace Museum – to the present location, its evolution has kept pace with the city’s growth.

In 1983, WL Construction was in charge of construction of the last detachment, beside the Provincial Building. At that time, the city’s population was increasing, although the subsequent recession halted growth for a time. Nevertheless, the new detachment was finished in time for Christmas 1983. The previous building, located kitty corner to both City Hall and the Provincial Building was repurposed and has since housed a number of businesses, from the Glass House to TC Energy.

Growth has continued, resulting in the need for a larger police force to serve the more than 20,000 people who call Fort St. John home, and a detachment capable of housing that force.

Dignitaries from local First Nations, the city, and the RCMP turned out to celebrate the opening on Friday – with both Elder May Apssassin and RCMP Chaplain Eby blessing the new building, following the Flag Raising ceremony. Speeches from Mayor Lilia Hansen, Doig River First Nations Chief Trevor Makadahay, detachment commander Inspector Anthony Hanson, and Deputy Commissioner Dwayne MacDonald, and a cake cutting, rounded out the ceremony.