Ribbon cut on RCMP building
Aboriginal and GNWT leaders praise new detachment
Stewart Burnett
Northern News Services
Thursday, October 13, 2016
INUVIK
A bevy of special guests were on hand to officially open the new RCMP detachment building in Inuvik on Oct. 4.
Officials gather to cut the ribbon on the new RCMP detachment building in Inuvik on Oct. 4. From left to right are GNWT Justice Minister Louis Sebert, RCMP Supt. Michael LeSage and Premier Bob McLeod. - Stewart Burnett/NNSL photo
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The project began in 2012 and concluded earlier this month.
"The inclusion of members of the community and aboriginal people was important," said Supt. Michael LeSage, acting commanding officer of RCMP G Division.
The original detachment building was opened in November 1959, after just a six-month construction season.
The old building was kept in operation while contractors built the IBI Architects-designed new facility.
"RCMP have been part of this community since its inception and proudly so," said LeSage, adding that the organization actively recruits from Inuvik and the surrounding Mackenzie Delta area.
"The RCMP encourages Gwich'in and Inuvialuit students to consider applying to the organization if a career in police work interests (them)."
Gwich'in elder Winston Moses, who gave one of the opening prayers during the ceremony, referenced his own family ties to RCMP in Inuvik.
His father, John Moses, was a special constable to the RCMP and took part in the Mad Trapper manhunt in 1972.
His uncle was also involved with the organization.
"Many stories remain to be told," said Moses, saying he did not know he would be part of the RCMP's story in the 21st century.
"We pray for the members of the RCMP who protect and serve the people of this community (and) keep them safe from harm and danger, also the people and their families who work in this building and the people here present," he said.
"And for all the prisoners who walk through these doors, give them a change of heart and a change of mind."
Emme Kanji, lead architect at IBI Architects, said he was excited and honoured to be part of the group that brought the project to reality.
The unique shape of the building is meant to be reminiscent of a segment of the winding Mackenzie River, he said.
"IBI group has designed a number of RCMP buildings, including the RCMP detachment in Prince George, B.C.," said Kanji.
"But his is perhaps one of the most memorable projects because it is our first foray into the North and we have truly recognized and appreciated the differences in design and construction challenges and approaches," Sustainability is at the core of the design, and the building was made with energy efficiency in mind."
GNWT Minister of Justice Louis Sebert said there is a long history of community support for the RCMP in the Mackenzie Delta.
"With a great number of improvements over the old detachment, this facility will provide a good home for the RCMP in Inuvik and in the region," he said.
After raising the Canadian flag, cthe ribbon was cut and remarks were finished, the new RCMP building was officially opened.
