The Ontario government is opening a new Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) detachment in Parry Sound.

The $20 million state-of-the-art facility will ensure the local OPP have the tools and equipment they need to continue to provide residents with high-quality police services.

“As we continue to respond to the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 recovery, our government will always put Ontarians’ safety first,” said Solicitor General Sylvia Jones. “With this new detachment, we are ensuring our frontline police officers have access to the leading-edge tools and equipment they need to continue to protect the people of Ontario and do their jobs safely.”

The West Parry Sound Detachment provides approximately 17,000 square feet of space, the latest infrastructure design to support ever-changing technology requirements, five holding cells, facilities to secure evidence, and closed-circuit television technology and other advanced security features.

The detachment is part of the OPP Modernization – Phase 2 project, a $182-million initiative announced in 2018 to replace nine aging OPP facilities across the province that are at the end of their lifespan and no longer meet the requirements of today’s police operations.

“This impressive new facility will enable our West Parry Sound Detachment officers and civilian members to continue to deliver on a shared commitment with our government to safe communities and a secure Ontario,” said OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique.

“Infrastructure modernization projects like this new detachment are essential to the safety and security of our communities, while ensuring our first responders have what they need to do their jobs as effectively as possible,” said Laurie Scott, Minister of Infrastructure. “Today’s announcement affirms the government’s commitment to the more than $60 billion dollars worth of investments highlighted in our P3 project pipeline released in June.”

“Parry Sound will now be served by a modern policing facility that will provide local OPP officers and staff with the best tools and supports to keep people safe,” said Norm Miller, Member of Provincial Parliament for Parry Sound-Muskoka. “This new investment underscores our government’s commitment to the Ontario Provincial Police and rural communities.”

The new West Parry Sound Detachment is located at 1 North Rd.