The Mission RCMP detachment is getting a new fence.
At the May 21 council meeting, an additional $300,000 was approved to cover costs of erecting a perimeter fence around the RCMP property, along with remote gate access. The matter carried 6-1 with Coun. Jag Gill opposed.
The $300,000 is funded through the city’s Public Safety Reserve with no tax implication to Mission residents. One hundred thousand dollars was already approved for the project.
The additional funding is due to “recent changes to the sites’ exposure” that require a more robust project, per a staff report.
“Fencing is required to provide a basic level of security around the property where no fence currently exists,” the report reads.
The detachment plans to include three vehicle access points and one for pedestrians, while the main public access to the building will remain open. A commercial-grade, heavy-duty and high-security fencing style is being recommended.
Despite RCMP recommendations to build a fence, the building hasn’t had one during its lifespan.
“Due to the natural landscape providing a buffer, there has been no immediate push to install fencing on the property,” the report reads.
However, nearby development and construction work eliminated blackberry bushes and ravines that acted as a natural barrier.
According to the report, the removal of the barrier makes the property easily accessible from all sides and vulnerable to security breaches.
Increased pedestrian traffic and the potential for further development in the area have also made the RCMP building more vulnerable.
The City of Mission is reviewing options to expand RCMP capacity, including the construction of a new facility. However, the location and timeline remain unknown. According to the report, this makes the need for fencing more urgent.
Gill says he supports the RCMP but the $400,000 pricetag is a lot of money.
“Maybe there’s other mechanisms [that] I could better support the RCMP, especially if we’re looking at the long term,” Gill said.
The city is ensuring the fencing can be repurposed in the future should the detachment change locations.
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