RCMP building its own Kamloops detachment would be unprecedented

Kamloops is expected to soon have a much-needed new police station, but it’s coming after RCMP came knocking to bend the arm of city hall.

If construction of the new detachment is delayed too long, Kamloops could become what appears to be the first BC city to have RCMP force the build.

Kamloops city council moved forward on the project this week and a BC RCMP spokesperson said it was “very much appreciated,” but concerns haven’t been alleviated.

“We are awaiting the final decision and formal update from the City of Kamloops with respect to the path forward,” BC RCMP spokesperson Sgt. Vanessa Munn said in an emailed response.

In a letter from BC RCMP assistant commissioner John Brewer last month, police flexed their muscles, warning that it could take legal measures or what appears to be an unprecedented step of building the station and sending the bill to local taxpayers.

While the federal government covers 10 per cent of the operational costs, contracts between municipalities and RCMP lay responsibility for the new station entirely on local taxpayers. If a BC city doesn’t hold up its end of the bargain, RCMP could foist a new station upon it.

The letter demanded progress updates from Kamloops city hall and, six weeks later, council voted to ask voters for permission to borrow $160 million early next year.

Local officials have long been aware of the need for a new station, which is now 26 years beyond its planned expiry date and operating at around triple its staff capacity, and they’ve been aware of the risk that RCMP could build it on their own.

It’s been discussed by previous councils as well and, although this council first addressed a new performing arts centre and arena, it was known the current detachment was far beyond its expiry date.

The plan to borrow $160 million has been delayed for months and returned to council this week, less than three months before the next election.

Council considered attaching a referendum to approve the debt alongside the October municipal election or waiting until early-2027 for another counter-petition or alternative approval process. In a 5-4 vote, they chose the latter with some councillors concerned a referendum would distract from the upcoming election.

Coun. Stephen Karpuk acknowledged the next council could change their mind, but he suggested it would be unlikely, especially after reading assistant commissioner Brewer’s letter.

“That’s a demand letter. They’re tired of hearing us (say) we’re working on it… we have to do this or they’re going to do it for us,” he said. “And the cost there could be really cost-prohibitive.”

Coun. Katie Neustaeter, the only person around the horseshoe who hasn’t announced her election plans, was the most vocal proponent of a referendum. She was concerned the public is unhappy with the counter-petition process after the Build Kamloops loans were approved for the arts centre and multi-rink arena.

The new police station is expected to be built in stages, opening for RCMP staff in 2030. Planned for the same property as the current location, it would be built on the parking lot before the old building is torn down for a parkade.