The Town of Hanover has selected an architect to do the design work for the new $8.6 million Hanover Police Station.
Council voted on April 22 to pick The Ventin Group Ltd of +VG Architects to complete the design of the new station, which will be located at the old fire hall site on 10th Street by the Civic Centre. Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Sherri Walden says selecting the architect is a big step in the project, and the architects will be working with a committee on next steps.
"The new police station working group, to establish the design for our selected site, and then eventually they'll be developing the design specifications, the tender documents and assisting with the contract administration once we get to that point in the construction process," Walden explained.
Walden notes that the site will cost $8.6 million, and will be funded primarily through municipal borrowing. That includes a three-year levy increase phase-in that began this year to meet the long-term loan repayment funding obligations.
"The tax increase that would be required to offset those payments in the future for the new police station are phased in, so that the impact to our residents is minimized as much as possible," added Walden.
There are some reserve funds that will be used, and Hanover will be applying for any potential grants that are available.
The need for a new police station was evident after an ad hoc committee looked into the pressures that the Hanover Police Service was facing since a report that was done in 2021 reviewing emergency services in Hanover and the surrounding area. Walden says there are many factors including a sharp increase in calls for the Hanover Police Service.
"Their increase in calls for annual service, that's a big one. They're also finding they're having longer holds of prisoners in on-site cells and there's a lack of available cell space. Virtual bail court hearings are happening at the police station now, as well, and that wasn't something that was happening pre-COVID, but it is now and will continue to be offered. Also just the need for more space to accommodate legislative and everyday operating needs," Walden shared.
Construction is set for next year with completion estimated for 2027.
