Participating in the ceremonial shovel dig are left to right: Neil Aitcheson, Senior Manager Melloul- Blamey Construction; OPP County of Brant Detachment Commander Lisa Anderson; Brant County Councillor and Chair of the Police Services Board Joan Gatward; Brant County Mayor David Bailey; Milan Novakovic on behalf of MPP Will Bouma; and OPP Acting Chief Superintendent Catherine Yeandle-Slater

Despite earlier drizzle, contractors from Melloul-Blamey Construction had set up a VIP tent with a crushed stone entrance to celebrate the ground-breaking event of the OPP Detachment on Bethel Road in Paris. Over 80 Police, elected officials, municipal staff, interested citizens and media attended. Construction preparation is well underway with the foundation soon to be be poured and metal superstructure expected in the next few weeks. Completion is scheduled for the Spring of 2020.

This replaces the previous detachment on Mechanic Street in Paris which was re-purposed from a post office before that.

The property will be over 5 acres with the initial site being 3.3 acres and an additional 2 acres set aside for future development.

Prior to being elected as Mayor, David Bailey is proud of his role on the Police Service Board previously in the team planning stages of this project and thrilled that a partnership with the County brings such a positive conclusion for the safety of the municipality. To all that were involved, citizens, County staff and Police leadership over the years.

“The dedicated and professional OPP officers and staff have played a key role in supporting a prosperous Brant community. This new building is a testament of the County’s support and appreciation for the work the OPP do every day in Brant. We are grateful for the role the OPP play in the community and the skills and services offered.”

‘Thank you for believing.’

On behalf of MPP Bouma, Novakovic wished all the best and shared a police adage sent from Bouma,

‘That the sound of velcro be heard at the end of every shift.’

OPP Acting Chief Superintendent Yeandle-Slater respected the hard work and determination by many people on this enduring project.

She sees, in addition to the new technology being installed, an improved police response rate meeting the medium and long-term needs of the public.

Inspector Anderson, as Detachment Commander recognized the outstanding relationship between the police service and the municipality,

“making the County of Brant one of the best places in Ontario to live.”

Aitchison promised a personal commitment to a successful completion and suggested,

“this is already seen as a model of co-operation between public and private interests.”

Gatward reminded everyone that over the time since amalgamation of the townships, the County continues to grow in leaps and bounds with over 37,000 citizens now.

“This project brings a well-served state-of-the-art facility for decades to come as a functional, clean, safe and efficient operation.”