Following his announcement of a $4 million investment to expand production of mRNA vaccines at Cambridge manufacturer Novocol Pharma, Premier Doug Ford made his way to the new Ontario Provincial Police detachment on Hespeler Road on Thursday morning.
“We’re very grateful for our police officers who serve our communities and keep them safe day in and day out,” Ford said.
“I want to thank the commissioner for the incredible leadership he shows. We have OPP detachments serving in every corner of this great province.”
Construction of the $20 million detachment began in 2021 and opened earlier this year. It’s located three kilometres from the 401.
The OPP had been operating out of a location on Franklin Boulevard after a fire destroyed their old detachment on Beaverdale Road in 2018.
They temporarily moved to a collision reporting centre in Milton after the fire.
Detachment Commander Nikki Randall was excited to welcome the premier to the their new home.
“It’s amazing for all the officers to know we have the support of the premier,” Randall said.
“It’s been a rough year for policing, it’s been a hard time for the entire community with the pandemic. This last year has been especially hard for police with all the tragedy we’ve experienced. To have the premier support us makes us feel confident and grateful.”
With the annual Ontario Police Memorial Foundation Ceremony of Remembrance coming up on Sunday at Queen’s Park, hosting the premier sends a positive message of unity, OPP Sergeant Kerry Schmidt says.
“Knowing that he comes here and supports us in the work that we do, we appreciate his support,” Schmidt said
“It’s all about public safety. Our job here is to keep our community safe.”
