Overhead view of Saugeen Shores Police headquarters by GM Diemert Architect Inc, presented to Saugeen Shores Council April 23.
Hub Staff
The corner of Concession 10 and MacKenzie Road in Port Elgin will be the site for the new Saugeen Shores Police headquarters and during the April 23 Committee of Whole, councillors approved, in principle, a near-to-final design.
Police Chief Mike Bellai remarked that he felt comfortable saying that the design, which was created by GM Diemert Architect Inc and a municipal design committee, will fit the needs of the police today, as well as into the future.
At 14,688 sq ft, the new design is nearly two and a half times the size of the current 6,000 sq ft facility with the ability to expand. The building will be raised over a metre off the ground to avoid pooling and it will be bullet proof, made from brick and metal cladding which Architect Grant Diemert said would give it a contemporary look with its metallic finish. There will be tower signage, the design for which is yet to be determined.
Forty parking spaces were included in the design, with space made possible for additional parking if needed in the future. Public parking will be accessed through MacKenzie Road with officers and staff using a secured entrance off Concession 10. It was highlighted during the presentation to councillors that the parking areas will be monitored and there will be a designated space made available for internet exchanges such as Swap and Sell and Kijiji. This space can also be used as custody and visitation exchange for parents and caregivers.
The new building highlights civilian space away from police functions, two sally ports and a designated sally port storage space. The facility will host four holding cells with the ability to create two to three more as well as space for use of force training as well as more room for record keeping.
Following the presentation to councillors Deputy Mayor and Police Board Chair Luke Charbonneau said the Board had approved the design April 23.
Councillor Don Matheson questioned Diemert on whether the new record keeping space and archive storage was sufficient to meet the the station’s needs. Diemert said the space is two times bigger than the current space with Chief Bellai adding that he doesn’t see a problem in the foreseeable future. “We will be in good shape,” the Chief said, adding that after a tendering process he hopes to have shovels in the ground this summer.
The cost is estimated at 6.8 million, plus or minus 25 percent, and will be funded through debt funding or a special levy.
Saugeen Shores Police Chief Mike Bellai with architect Grant Diemert April 23 in Council Chambers.
Final design of the new police facilities in Saugeen Shores by GM Diemert Architect Inc. This image shows future considerations in shaded areas such as additional holding cells and additional parking. Click to enlarge.
Floor plan of Saugeen Shores Police headquarters, final design by GM Diemert Architect Inc. Click to enlarge.
Southwest (top) and south view of the new police headquarters in Saugeen Shores, design by GM Diemert Architect Inc.
East (top) and northeast view of the new police headquarters in Saugeen Shores, designed by GM Diemert Architect Inc and presented to Saugeen Shores Council April 23.
See related stores:
From November 2017: Design contract awarded for new police headquarters
From June 2017: A new police services build wins over renovating current facilities
From August 2016: High engagement, still no decisions at second police facilities meeting
From July 2016: Moderate crowd at police facilities meeting
From June 2016: If it's predictable, it's generally preventable
