To help address a growing rate of violence in Saskatchewan’s north and northcentral region, Montreal Lake Cree Nation has broken ground on a new RCMP detachment.

The site of the future 10-thousand square foot building is about 100 kilometres north of Prince Albert.

Staff Sergeant Richard Tonge says this facility will become the new host detachment, with Waskesiu Lake moving to sub-detachment status.

“It will have the detachment service assistance, it will have victim service, it will have a cell block, proper interview room facilities, everything we need to fulfill our duties.”

It will also include cultural design elements, such as a room designated for trauma support, prayer and healing, and mural paintings near the entrance. Tonge says a modern facility makes for less headaches, no asbestos, and no mold, and an appealing draw to the community for RCMP officers.

“People like to work in clean, modern facilities. They don’t want to work in some of the less-desirable places.”

The $16-million project is jointly funded by the Province of Saskatchewan and the federal government, with funds provided to the RCMP to manage construction.

Construction is expected to be completed in early 2028.