in Whati have formally opened a new police station after three years of construction.
A ribbon cutting ceremony was held to officially open the new building on June 23. The facility has actually been in use since November 2023.
"The biggest thing is that it's bigger," said Const. Josh Seaward, NWT media relations officer, noting that the previous building was built in the 1980s. "The reality is the old building wasn't meeting the needs of the or the community anymore.
"As Whati grows, we can grow as a detachment as well to provide better services to residents and members."
Policing needs in the community have grown since the establishment of the all-access road, he added.
Aside from a garage, the new $9.1 million detachment also boasts a gym for employees, two interview rooms, a front foyer for the public and modern office space. There remains three cell blocks, but the blocks have also been modernized and a prisoner's shower now available.
A modern camera system and guard area has also been constructed, which Seaward said was for both prisoner safety and overall security. There is also a dedicated room for breath testing.
Seaward said the building measures approximately 3,400 sq. ft.
Seaward also said the detachment currently has two active officers with a third on the way and a fourth member is being actively recruited. The facility has enough space for at least four and can house more as the needs of the community evolve.
"We're always trying to attract members up here," he said. "People don't seem to realize, living down south, just how awesome it is to live and work in the territories, but once they're here, we don't seem to have a hard time retaining people. It's just about opening people's eyes to what the North is like."
