Net-Zero RCMP facility planned for North Cowichan
The boys in blue are going green.
The morning mist dissipates over Quamichan Lake. – Province of B.C.
Funding has been secured for a net-zero RCMP detachment in North Cowichan.
$11.5-million from the Green Municipal Fund (GMF) will go towards the construction of a net-zero energy ready (NZER) RCMP detachment facility in the municipality of North Cowichan. This includes a $10 million low interest loan and a $1.5 million grant.
According to Natural Resources Canada, the integrated hub will better serve a growing urban population of about 50,000 residents across North Cowichan, Duncan, Cowichan Tribes and the surrounding rural areas. The new, 50,000-square-foot building will consolidate the North Cowichan/Duncan Detachment, Forensic Identification Services, South Island Traffic Services and Indigenous Policing.
GMF previously supported the construction of a NZER RCMP detachment in Fort St. John in northern B.C. The current project is based on that same design but has been optimized for North Cowichan’s different climate and usage needs.
Officials added that the project will also incorporate energy efficiency in every aspect of the building design. Optimized features of the building include:
- Structure and site orientation improvements.
- high-efficiency equipment.
- Rooftop solar photovoltaic panels.
- Solar shading to reduce cooling demand by 45 per cent.
- Daylight sensors to reduce annual lighting operations by 25 per cent.
The GMF, administered by the FCM, is funded through an endowment by the Government of Canada. GMF helps local governments switch to sustainable practices more quickly. Its unique mix of funding, resources and training gives municipalities the tools they need to build resiliency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
