The new training facility for Ottawa police officers in the south end could cost more than $200 million, as police look to replace the former training facility at Algonquin College. A report for Monday’s Ottawa Police Service’s Board meeting recommends the board approve a $233 million budget to build the ‘Professional Development Centre’ at the location of the new south facility on Prince of Wales Drive. The service currently conducts training at Algonquin College and other sites across the city. In 2024, Algonquin College served the Ottawa Police Service with a termination notice that required police to exit all spaces at the college. “There are a number of facilities being used throughout the city, and they’re scattered and it’s inefficient training for the police service. So, the idea is to bring training all under one roof,” Salim Fakirani, chair of the Ottawa Police Service Borad, told CTV News. While police can continue to use the college’s firearm range until 2033, police were required to exit all other spaces at the college by March 2026. The service is now using eight different sites for training, including La Cite Collegiale and sites in Kanata and Stittsville. Plans for a new 82,000 sq. ft. multi-storey facility would see the ‘Professional Development Centre’ built on the 7.5 acres of undeveloped space where the new south division headquarters are under construction in Barrhaven. “You’re going to have a gun range. You’re going to have classrooms, dynamic simulation labs. You’re going to have a place for us to do our CW training,” Steve Bell, deputy chief with the Ottawa Police Service, said. “So, all of our required CSPA training, community safety and policing act training, as well as all of our other specialty training, like our investigative training, training for our special constables.” Coun. Steve Desroches says the police force is growing, and a new facility will be needed to help train new recruits. “We’re adding hundreds of new people, and going to need more constables as our city grows,” Desroches said. “And with that comes an added need for training and a modern facility in which to provide it.” Staff say a feasibility assessment determined a multi-storey facility with a three-storey parkade is “likely required and can be accommodated on this site.” “Program analysis confirmed that all corporate and dynamic training requirements, including a multi-lane, 50-meter firearms range and other dynamic training spaces are achievable. The 50-metre range will support both firearm and carbine training,” staff said. “Preliminary results suggest that a Design-Build methodology is the most suitable framework for a project of this size, complexity, and program that includes specialized training environments, such as a 24-lane, 50-metre firearms range that will enable the OPS to be compliant with the Community Safety and Policing Act.” The report says the higher costs of the training facility compared to the $187 million cost for the new south facility is because 75 to 85 per cent of the training facility will be “composed of highly unique and specialized spaces.” A total of 25,000 sq. ft. of the facility will be the firearm range. If approved by the board, the project will begin this spring. Construction is expected to be completed in 2031. Staff have said the south facility will house various corporate functions that “support the onboarding of new staff and recruits.” Police say the training at the Professional Development Centre is for all sworn and civilian members and is “focused on ensuring that new and existing members are trained in alignment with legislative requirements outlined in the Community Safety and Policing Act.” The training includes defense tactics, simulation labs, police vehicle operations, personal firearm use, carbine use, conductive energy weapons and immediate rapid deployment.
