New digs in store for OPP

News — 23 November 2010

The Dryden detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is one step closer to having a new home. According to Detachment Commander Chuck Wesley, Acting Staff Sargeant, a suitable site has been identified for the new detachment, but it is still subject to some environmental assessment, planning approvals and some other regulatory requirements in place.

“Obviously we are need of a new detachment, to provide our effective services to the community, so it’s still going through a bit of a process before the final approval of the site is in place, and before we can go ahead with the building of it,” says Wesley.

OPP has very little to do with the deal at this time, as it is in the hands of the Ontario Realty Corporation. Until the deal is complete and approved, the OPP are not at liberty to disclose the exact location.

“Typically, they try to keep us on the highway, as we are the OPP and that is a large portion of what we do.” reports Wesley. “We have outgrown the building with the advancements in technology and what we use for a facility.”

Announced in the 2009 OPP Modernization Project, Dryden was one of ten detachments chosen for replacement. All were approved last year, with the exception of our local station, due to not being able to find a suitable location.

The current detachment has been in place since the late 1950s, and was originally a courthouse, station, cells and residence all in one. The detachment was created by combining the facilities, but Wesley feels a new facility can offer much more to the community and its safety.

“The new structure will not result in an increase in our police resources, but it will provide an adequate space and modern communication technology from what we have currently and allow us to be more efficient that way,” says Wesley.

The brand new detachment is expected to be complete and operational by the end of 2012.

By Ally Dunham

Related News

Locals awarded for bravery

By Ally Dunham Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Commissioner, Chris D. Lewis, paid a visit to Dryden on May 26 joined by OPP officers, civilian staff and community members from the North ...

Construction begins on OPP detachment

Construction is underway on the new Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Dryden Detachment located three kms. east of Dryden at the former Marston Motors/U-Haul site. The year-long construction project is expected to ...

OPP gearing up for Police Week

By Lindsey Enns Police Week kicks off today and OPP across Ontario are hoping that you will join them in celebrating the leadership and services that they provide to Ontario communities. ...

Doesn't this look nice? You can still have fun this upcoming May Long Weekend just be responsible. Photo by Chris Marchand.

OPP turning up the heat for May Long

Story by Lindsey Enns In a news release issued this morning, the Dryden detachment wants you to know that they will be stepping up enforcement to ensure that everyone has a ...

OPP hoping for a safe summer

By Lindsey Enns So it’s almost that time of year again. This week the OPP will be reviewing a few of the summer activities that we all like to part take in ...

Ice no longer safe say provincial police

Reports are arriving from around the region of incidents involving unsafe ice conditions. The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) are reminding the public that the ice is no longer safe to venture ...

Kenora MP, OPP defend controversial Internet bill

By Ally Dunham Kenora MP Greg Rickford is addressing some misconceptions about Bill C-30 — a bill that has sparked a nationwide controversy. Titled, Protecting Children From Internet Predators Act, Rickford says ...

Scene of the collision caused by freezing rain on Highway 17 on Wednesday, January 11 near Dogtooth Lake, Kenora area. Photos submitted

Multiple highway accidents leave two dead

Transport collision causes death Members of Kenora OPP were investigating a fatal motor vehicle collision on Highway 17 in the area of Dogtooth Lake, Kenora. At 1 a.m., January 11, a westbound tractor ...

Staff Sergeant Chuck Wesley (left) and project manager, Dan Stewart stand in the main reception area of the new OPP Dryden detachment. Photo by Ally Dunham

Dryden OPP detachment on time and on budget

By Ally Dunham The new detachment for the Dryden OPP is right on schedule, as well as on budget, according to Staff Sergeant, Detachment Commander Chuck Wesley. A walk through the new ...

Reliving a nightmare — researcher strives for definitive account of 1958 Ear Falls murders

Perhaps the most shocking headline to appear on the front page of the Dryden Observer in over 100 years of publication. Tom Young’s murderous rampage in Ear Falls coincided with ...