A new RCMP detachment is coming to Montreal Lake Cree Nation.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Wednesday. The new construction site is at 3002 Highway 969 on Montreal Lake Cree Nation about 100 kilometres north of Prince Albert.
The construction is a partnership between Montreal Lake Cree Nation, the Prince Albert Grand Council, the RCMP and other project partners. The building will be approximately 10,000 square feet and will include cultural design elements including a room for trauma support, prayer and healing and mural paintings near the entrance.
Construction is expected to cost around $16-million with funding from both the provincial and federal governments with funds provided to the RCMP to manage construction. EllisDon Corporation is the contractor with Republic Architecture as the project director. The construction is anticipated to be completed in March 2027.
Montreal Lake Cree Nation Chief Joyce Naytowhow-McLeod says the new detachment will do a lot for safety in the community.
“Let’s work together and make sure our community is a safe place. I want the elders to be able to sleep quietly, to be safe and our children that are being brought in. I think that’s all the way we can work out our differences and our challenges by working together and I think that’s what this building is going to create.”
When asked about the history between Indigenous people and the RCMP, Naytowhow-McLeod says she thinks the new detachment will help mend that relationship.
“That’s part of the history but history can be changed. We learn from history and for me, I’m a positive person. I was married to an RCMP officer for 26 years so I know the challenges that law enforcement can have and also the challenges the communities have. If you work together, I think everything can be successful.”
In a press release, Sgt Rene Giroux, detachment commander for the Waskesiu/Montreal Lake RCMP says the new detachment will be important hub for connecting with the community.
“We’re not just starting construction on a building. We’re breaking ground on a modern, welcoming space where community members can report crime, connect with officers, and continue to strengthen community partnerships.”
The sentiment was shared by Staff Sgt. Richard Tonge, who is the acting North District commander for the Saskatchewan RCMP.
“Without strong relationships and collaboration, we cannot create meaningful and lasting change,” said Staff Sgt. Tonge in a press release. “The new detachment is another step forward in strengthening that partnership by providing a welcoming and safe place for community members to connect with our officers.”
Once complete, Montreal Lake will become the host detachment with the Waskesiu Lake facility moving to sub-detachment status. The existing sub-office space at Montreal Lake Cree Nation will be returned to the First Nation.
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