They’ve been set up in it since February, but the new Bruce Peninsula OPP Detachment in Wiarton is now officially open.
OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino was at the grand opening ceremony on Tuesday.
Fantino says a modern facility meets the needs of rural policing today along with the partnerships the OPP develops with the community will help officers do their work in a more conducive environment.
He says it also gives the community a welcoming policing facility where they can be part of what the OPP does.
The new 11 thousand square foot detachment replaces building that was designed for only six constables, and 27 currently work at the detachment.
Fantino says it’s part of the OPP’s request to the government to upgrade several aging and inadequate facilities across Ontario.
The new detachment building includes space for the Children’s Aid Society and probation officers to use, along with a board room that is available for community groups to use.
The extra space also made it possible for an auxilliary unit to start at the detachement, which is about to grow to ten members.
The detachment also has a new marine patrol boat and ATV’s.
South Bruce Peninsula Mayor Gwen Gilbert says she’s excited about the new facility which offers more space and technology and is pleased the provincial government has shown a commitment to the community by building a new detachment.
The OPP is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, and has had a detachment in Wiarton since 1928.
The OPP’s Canine, Forensic, Mounted, and Helicopter units were all on hand as well, providing demonstrations for the hundreds of spectators who came out to tour the new building.
And, on the sad police story of the day, Fantino says the discovery of the remains of eight-year Tori Stafford shows the evil that lurks in society and how vulnerable children are.
He says everyone needs to be more vigilant when it comes to protecting the safety of children.
Fantino says it’s been emotionally trying time and doesn’t think any officer can be seasoned enough to not feel or absorb the tragedy.
Tori Stafford was last seen leaving school on April 8th in Woodstock.
Her remains were found in a rural area near Mount Forest on Sunday.
Two people are charged in connection with her murder.