I often get asked by people why we don't move Police and Fire to a better location. A common phrase that goes along with that statement is that we should be thinking of the future and getting them into a more suitable facility.

Police and Fire are located right where they want to be, and should be. The number one factor emergency services look at when considering location is response time. Being situated in the centre of Town allows them to have the best average call out time possible to cover the whole community. On the surface that may not sound important but to those who need the services of Police or Fire this is crucial. Seconds do matter.

Another factor for Police is visibility. Seeing a Police Officer or a cruiser in the area is a significant deterrent to crime, and being located where they are, every time they go anywhere they are visible in the Downtown.

As to looking forward to accommodate future needs, that is indeed one of the main factors staff took into consideration when making the recommendation to Council that they stay where they are. Using the demographics and other information available we have determined that, properly utilized, ample space exists on this site to address Police, Fire, and Municipal needs for the next 10 to 20 years, at a cost that will be affordable versus building a new facility. The relatively minor issues with parking will be addressed as part of the overall Downtown Plan.