A ribbon cutting with a giant pair of novelty scissors, and raising flags of the City of Pitt Meadows, Katzie First Nation, the province and the country were part of a ceremony to celebrate the opening of the city’s RCMP detachment on Tuesday morning, May 12.
Outside the new headquarters on Harris Road, about 75 people heard greetings from B.C. Solicitor General Nina Krieger, MP Marc Dalton, MLA Lisa Beare, Mayor Nicole MacDonald, Katzie Chief Grace George, councillors from the city and Katzie, and several members of the B.C. RCMP’s senior management team.
A flag raising ceremony saw the flags for Canada, B.C., Pitt Meadows and Katzie First Nation raised on poles in front of the detachment.
“Council and I are very proud to celebrate this new facility, which represents a meaningful investment in the safety and well-being of our community,” said MacDonald. “This modern, purpose-built space will support our officers and the important work they do every day.”
The approximately $21 million building was built to facilitate the city providing policing apart from the Ridge Meadows detachment that was shared with Maple Ridge.
“The transition to an autonomous detachment further strengthens our ability to deliver responsive, community-focused policing tailored to the needs of Pitt Meadows,” added MacDonald. “Together, these advancements lay the foundation for a safer, more connected and resilient community, now and for the future.”
The new 19,000 square foot facility boasts modern amenities and state-of-the-art technology and equipment, with a dedicated ground-level volunteer/flex space and training room with floor to ceiling windows, and mass timber structural components in the lobby.
A cake cutting ceremony was held with Assistant Commissioner Elija Rain, Lower Mainland District Commander, using his sword to slice the cake.
“Today’s ceremony is about more than just the opening of a new building, it’s indicative of the strong support for community-focused policing,” said Rain. “This has been a tremendous effort from all involved and will ultimately provide tailored policing services and dedicated community resources.”
The first detachment commander is Staff Sgt. Michelle Luca.
“Becoming an autonomous detachment allows us to focus fully on the priorities of the City of Pitt Meadows and Katzie,” said Luca. “We remain committed to visible, engaged policing with residents and community partners to ensuring public safety. We are honoured to continue serving here with dedication and pride.”
Chief Grace George noted the Katzie were consulted from the beginnings of the effort.
“The opening of this new RCMP detachment marks an important milestone for our community and for the Katzie First Nation,” said George. “It represents a shared commitment to safety, collaboration, and local leadership in policing. Having an autonomous detachment serving Pitt Meadows and Katzie strengthens relationships, supports culturally respectful policing, and ensures that community needs are understood and addressed close to home. We are proud to acknowledge this new chapter and to celebrate it together in ceremony and in a way that reflects our ever growing relationships.”