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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, January 23, 2015 | 10 Debate on expanding or building anew has taken place for a decade continued from p.3 The Region must decide whether to renovate the existing police HQ or use the space as is and rent other space for additional needs. Committee members want assurance the former police facility won't be left empty. Constructing a new headquarters close to the existing Regional headquarters provides inherent benefits compared to a site farther away, said Tanner. Oakville Mayor Rob Burton, Police Services Board chair, told committee councillors a new building would be far more economical and efficient for taxpayers than renting space. "That would cost taxpayers more," Burton said. "And we always strive for the best deal possible for the taxpayers; the best services at the lowest cost." Plans for expansion of police headquarters versus a new building have been discussed for at least a decade. But it was eventually determined the best solution was to build a new headquarters with everything running out of a centralized HQ. Tanner told committee members the new facility will be a multipurpose building and likely have a shelf life of beyond its 25-year life cycle. Should police outgrow it, some of the facilities such as the firearms range could remain while other areas be used for other non-police services. The new facility will also include heightened security measures, including storage areas for specialized tactical vehicles and tactical weaponry, firearms, tear gas as well as a modern forensic lab space that will better serve crime victims in court, Tanner said. Even if the Region didn't need more space, Tanner told committee members -- and specifically Regional Chair Gary Carr -- he would still be asking for the funds for construction of the new HQ. The existing headquarters has some 87,000 square feet of space but the new facility will be about double the size. "We need this facility regardless of what the Region does... We need a new building. We are not asking for it because of Regional needs," Tanner said. "We have a very clear need for a new building today if it could be finished tomorrow. "We are asking for this building because we need it, so I can say our officers are properly trained in a safe environment and we have a training facility in place, so we can maximize efficiency and so I can tell crown attorneys and judges our forensic capabilities are up to current standards." Take 10 Minutes With God Each Day And Change Your Whole Outlook for 2015 What are you crowdfunding for? fuellocal.com is an online platform to raise money through crowdfunding: an opportunity for a collection of individuals to make donations in support of a cause. Create your fundraising campaign or help fund local initiatives at fuellocal.com 588 Kerr Street, Oakville | 905-844-3102 www.goodbookschristian.com | goodbooks@on.aibn.com 588 Kerr Street · 905-844-3102 · www.goodbookschristian.com · goodbooks@on.aibn.com Start your campaign now! .com Tired of hating your kitchen? Call us for a free design consultation! 905-637-3331 Explore Your Options Design, supply & install Custom Cabinets, ReStyle existing cabinets or simply ReDoor Exceptional Quality & Craftsmanship FREE Estimates TICO# 4537114 ON REG# 970855995 Cruise Holidays of oakville 221 Lakeshore Road East · 905-337-2228 info@cruiseholidaysoakville.com www.cruiseholidaysoakville.com kitchentune·up® Every Kitchen Tune-Up franchise is locally owned & operated. Information & Design Centre 3480 Fairview St. Burlington KitchenTuneUp.com