Saugeen Shores Police Service headquarters grand opening was held September 25.

Hub Staff

The new Saugeen Shores Police Service headquarters opened its doors for the official grand opening on September 25 with a ribbon cutting ceremony and station tours.

The one-year project was successfully completed on time and below the $6.8 million approved budget. Former Chief Dan Rivett was in attendance and recognized as the driving force for the new facility. Also present to witness the grand opening were former chiefs Paul Brown and Dave Preston.

As guests entered through the main entrance of the new headquarters, they were ushered into a boardroom where eyes were immediately drawn to the solid wood tables in the centre of the room, constructed from the restored wood from the ash trees removed from Fairy Lake.

Sergeant Andy Evans welcomed guests and gave a brief history of the local police service. The service began in 1995 as the Southampton-Port Elgin Police Services and in 1997 began policing Saugeen Township. Finally in 1999 with the birth of the Town of Saugeen Shores, the force became known as the Saugeen Shores Police Service (SSPS) and the soon to be former police headquarters was built.

Saugeen Shores Mayor Luke Charbonneau recalled his first capital budget meeting in 2006 when then Chief Dan Rivett announced the need of a new facility. “Standing here today, I’m extremely proud to say that this facility has come in on time and under budget," said Charbonneau. “And it will stand here and service the community for at least a generation."

Charbonneau acknowledged the rapid growth in Saugeen Shores. “This is a community on the move, it’s growing and this is a facility that will allow our police service to move and grow with our community,” declared Charbonneau.

Chair of the Saugeen Shores Police Service Board Dave Myette also credit community members for their support. “I’d like to thank the residents of Saugeen Shores because ultimately it is through your support that we can fund a project and a wonderful facility like this,” said Myette.

In an October 5 media release, the new Saugeen Shores Police Service headquarters is located at 1240 Mackenzie Road in Port Elgin. "The new station has a safe internet exchange area in the public accessible parking lot," read the release. "This area is under video surveillance 24 hours per day. The parking spots for exchanges are clearly marked on the pavement and signs."