The Beiseker RCMP detachment's administration offices are set to undergo some much-needed upgrades over the next few months, in an effort to provide residents increased accessibility to police services and improve efficiency for staff.
The offices, located just off Highway 72 behind the Beacon Heights playground, will be closed to the public beginning on Oct. 25 until the end of the construction period, which is expected to last until Dec. 24.
According to Sgt. Greg Tulloch, the initial timeline – which was scheduled to reach completion by mid-November – has been pushed back more than a month due to difficulty in obtaining the necessary materials for the job.
He added while the construction will be ongoing over the next few months, staff members will continue to be on-site and present in the community.
“There is nothing that is going to change as far as emergency services are concerned,” he said.
Tulloch added some administrative work will need to be done from home or from the Airdrie detachment until the offices are reopened. However, local police services will remain unhindered by the building's closure.
“Otherwise, it’s business as usual as far as accessing police is concerned,” he said.
Tulloch said the Beiseker RCMP detachment building is in desperate need of some “tender love and care,” despite some renovations that were completed on the aging building in previous years.
“The thing we need to update now is the front entryway – it was made accessible to wheelchairs, but it needs an update,” he said. “Basically, the accessibility of the front entrance is being upgraded so people in wheelchairs can come in more easily and access the front counter more efficiently.”
Other upgrades include an updated reception area with improved wheelchair accessibility, lower counters, and a larger area to accommodate more than one individual.
“The number one goal is accessibility,” he said. “We have to recognize that everybody from the community needs to be able to access the building and the services that we provide equally.”
Minor work is also being done behind the scenes to aide workplace efficiency.
According to Tulloch, another upgrade will allow for staff to be able get from one side of the building to another without having to go through locked doors at the front counter.
During the period of renovations, the Airdrie RCMP detachment will continue to offer in person services from Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and will be available for information by telephone.
Complaints can be reported to the police by calling 403-947-3496 and for emergencies, residents are reminded to call 911.
Carmen Cundy, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @carmenrcundy
