Paul Bickford
Northern News Services
Monday, June 25, 2007

RAE LAKES - Plans for an RCMP detachment in Gameti were announced June 15.

It will be the third new detachment in the NWT, following Sachs Harbour and Wrigley.

Justice Minister Brendan Bell, Monfwi MLA Jackson Lafferty and Chief Supt. Tom Middleton, the commanding officer of the RCMP in the NWT, visited the Tlicho community of about 300 people to make the announcement.

The legislative assembly has approved the resources to place a two-member detachment in Gameti.

The announcement was well received in the community.

"The elders were pleased to see this come to fruition," said Middleton. 'This has been a long-term goal of the community."

The GNWT, the federal government and the RCMP's "G" Division will work together to gather the resources to build a permanent detachment. A new detachment office, complete with cell facilities and residences, are part of the infrastructure required before the members can reside permanently in Gameti.

Acquisition of infrastructure through the federal capital funding program can take up to five years. "G" Division has committed to make a concentrated effort to expedite the process.

In the interim, two members will maintain a presence in Gameti by rotating into the community from the Behchoko detachment.

Plans are underway to have the two positions filled for the start of the winter road season.