Winnipeg, MB - Today, Mayor Sam Katz and Chief Devon Clunis declared the new West District Police Station, located at 2321 Grant Avenue, officially open.
The single story, 33,000 square foot station replaces the existing District 2 (210 Lyle Street) and District 6 (1350 Pembina Highway) stations and will house Uniform Operations, a Plainclothes Investigation Unit, a Service Centre and a Community Support Unit.
“The safety of our citizens is a top priority for the City of Winnipeg,” said Mayor Katz. “Our police and fire/paramedic stations are currently going through a period of renewal. We are making these investments now to support the men and women who protect our city into the future.”
“We are excited about the move into our newest police facility at 2321 Grant Avenue, said Police Chief Devon Clunis. “The combining of the District 2 and District 6 stations to form the West District Station allows us to consolidate our resources in order to maximize our efforts within the various communities and better serve our citizens.”
In June 2012, Council approved the development of the West District Police Station as a Public-Private Partnership lease, with the option to purchase upon completion. With low interest rates of 3.9 per cent in June of 2013, it was in the City’s best interest to exercise its option to purchase with a total estimated net savings of $9.6 million, or $322,000 annually. Council approved the purchase of the West District Police Station in June of 2013.
The West District Station service centre is open to the public between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m., seven days a week.
On July 23, 2003, Council approved the implementation of the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) Four District Model. The former six-district service delivery model was based on a municipal structure which existed prior to 1971. Contemporary policing issues led the WPS to review this service delivery structure and recommended realignment from six to four districts.
The amalgamation of District 4 (Transcona, North Kildonan) and District 5 (St. Vital, St. Boniface), was achieved in 2008 with the opening of the East District Station.