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INUVIK
Plans are in motion to give the Inuvik RCMP a brand new detachment in 2015.

Const. Mark Phillips stands outside the current Inuvik RCMP detachment. The building was constructed in 1959 and construction will start on the new one in 2013. - Danielle Sachs/NNSL photo

"Obviously it means a lot to us," said Inuvik Mayor Denny Rodgers. "Our detachment here is quite old so it'd be great to have a new detachment. It means a lot for the RCMP here."

The detachment was built in 1959 and age is taking its toll on the infrastructure.

"The heating system is very hard to maintain and the electrical and the plumbing – it's an old building that needs a lot of maintenance just to try and keep up," said Inuvik RCMP Sgt. Michael Babineau.

Construction on the detachment is to start in 2013 with a grand opening expected in 2015. The old detachment will remain open while the new one is constructed in the same location.

Babineau said the greatest benefit of the new building will be more modern, updated systems. He said the size and number of cells will remain in accordance with national standards.

Questions about the cost of the detachment were deferred to the Department of Justice but could not be provided by the department by deadline.

An RCMP news release announcing the new building states its architecture will reflect elements of the surrounding environment, such as the wave-like building shape, which was designed to reflect the Beaufort Delta river system. Other exterior elements are still in the design stages.

"The Town of Inuvik is very pleased to see the commitment of the RCMP in our community by moving forward with this project," stated Grant Hood, senior administrative officer for the Town of Inuvik, in the release. "Not only will it provide much improved working conditions for the detachment but provide another showcase building within the community. We are already looking forward to the grand opening."

Justice Minister Glen Abernethy stated the new detachment is intended to benefit communities beyond Inuvik.

"The new detachment will serve not only the RCMP members in Inuvik and throughout the Beaufort Delta, but more importantly, help them serve the residents of Inuvik and the surrounding communities."

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