Thunder Bay police officers could be working from smaller satellite offices.
At-large councillor Mark Bentz tells us that is on Monday night’s agenda, which could see these offices in the north or south cores, and potentially be cheaper.
“Yes, it’s a much smaller building, there’d be much fewer people working out of them, with certain departments or divisions. Much like the precinct model of days gone by,” says Bentz.
The idea could transform smaller unused buildings in areas where people congregate, and mean a safer community in certain areas.
“From a reduce, reuse, and recycle perspective, yes, I would like to see existing buildings that are vacant, that are suitable, be used, if I had my druthers. I mean, we’re looking for options,” says the At-large councillor.
The motion, to be presented by At-large Councillor Trevor Giertuga, could be cheaper than rebuilding the existing station on Balmoral Street, or building brand new.
“If we were to avoid the expansion of the headquarters right now, by police being able to disperse certain units into the community in existing structures, or even building smaller structures, it could save costs,” explains Bentz.
A consultant is reviewing the different ideas, including a new building, which Councillor Bentz estimates is around $50-million.
