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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 4 | 85 Abbotsford Police Department Expansion R EN D ER I N G CO U RT E S Y C I T Y O F A B B OT S FO R D ABBOTSFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT EXPANSION by NATALIE BRUCKNER A s Abbotsford's population surges toward 165,000, the demands on its police force have grown exponentially. To meet these challenges, the City of Abbotsford and the Abbotsford Police Department (AbbyPD) have embarked on a major expansion of its headquarters on Justice Way. Originally built in 1987, the outdated facility is being trans- formed into a state-of-the-art hub that consolidates staff, leverages advanced technology, and streamlines operations to better serve the city's evolving needs. According to a City spokesperson, the AbbyPD has operated from multi- ple locations in recent years, resulting in inefficiencies due to decentraliza- tion. The new expanded facility aims to enhance communication, improve workflows, and foster greater col- laboration across the department by consolidating operations under one roof. Additionally, this expansion will reduce the department's overall physi- cal footprint within Abbotsford' s Civic Precinct, improving site efficiency and freeing up valuable parking space. "In keeping pace with commu- nity growth, the AbbyPD, established after the amalgamation of Matsqui and the District of Abbotsford, has tri- pled its number of officers and staff since its inception," says a spokesper- son from the City. "As a result, our jail services are often at capacity, halls and corridors are being used as stor- age areas, and change rooms are cramped and overflowing with gear." Designed by Stantec Architecture Ltd., the expansion is a four-storey facility that seamlessly blends modern design with functional adaptability. Hemna Marwah, project architect at Stantec, explains that Stantec worked closely with the AbbyPD and the City to create a facility that promotes healthy and productive work environments, ensures distinct public, private, and secure spaces, and incorporates strate- gies for future growth and adaptability. One of the key features of the expansion is a new 30-bed cell block designed with advanced safety mea- sures, including gender-sensitive accommodations and suicide pre- vention features. Additionally, a two-level, secure parkade with 52 spaces will enhance access for staff and emergency vehicles, improv- ing overall operational efficiency. Unitech Construction Management began construction in the fall of 2022, facing logistical challenges due to the site's location on an active emergency response route. "The biggest challenge was maintaining access to emergency services," explains project manager Jarrett Scott. Since any road closures were strictly prohibited, Unitech constructed an elevated, tempo- rary access road across Thunderbird Square to ensure construction pro- ceeded without disrupting police and fire services. Unitech also introduced Tact planning, a method that divides the project into zones and organizes trades to work in tandem, ensuring smooth transitions and maintain- ing the construction schedule. Sustainability was a priority for the design, both in construc- tion and future operations. The four-storey concrete structure fea- tures an energy-efficient exterior made of aluminum curtain walls and metal cladding. "The exterior fin- ishes were chosen by the architect to mirror the colours of the exist- ing adjacent headquarters which is to be renovated next year as the sec- ond phase of the project," notes Scott. Internally, the new facility blends functionality with accessibility, cre- ating a seamless environment for both public use and police operations. Secure spaces for the public are bal- anced with future-proof designs for the police, allowing efficient work- flows that adapt to evolving needs. Once completed, the renovated origi- nal building will integrate seamlessly with the new structure to create a cohesive working environment. The AbbyPD expansion is also designed as a Post Disaster Building, with two backup generators and an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to ensure continuous opera- tion during emergencies or severe power outages. Heating is provided by energy-efficient heat recovery ven- tilators (HRVs), further reducing the facility's environmental footprint. Inside, the new headquarters will house advanced investigative project rooms, a modern forensics lab, and space for digital forensics. By consolidating these units into a single location, the AbbyPD can bet- ter respond to both traditional and digital investigations – a grow- ing aspect of modern policing. For officers, the facility includes upgraded locker rooms, gyms, and classrooms, allowing for on- site training opportunities. "Police departments need advanced train- ing in both soft and hard skills," the City explains. "Having training spaces on-site means more opportunities for officers to develop their skills with- out the need for external facilities." With 12,000 square feet of shelled space included in the design, the facil- ity has the capacity for future growth. This forward-thinking addition ensures the department can scale up as the city continues to expand, without the need for further building projects. The expansion of the Abbotsford Police Department marks a pivotal step in preparing the city's emer- gency services for the future. "The updated building will provide offi- cers and civilian staff with the space and tools to do their jobs safely and effectively as they strive to make Abbotsford the safest city in B.C. by suppressing violent crime, reduc- ing property crime related offences, engaging with our diverse commu- nity, and more," concludes the City of Abbotsford spokesperson. A LOCATION 2838 Justice Way, Abbotsford, B.C. OWNER /DEVELOPER City of Abbotsford ARCHITECT Stantec Architecture CONSTRUCTION MANAGER Unitech Construction Management STRUCTUR AL /MECHANICAL /ELECTRICAL / CIVIL /SECURIT Y/GEOTECHNICAL / L AW ENFORCEMENT CONSULTANT Stantec TOTAL SIZE 105,000 square feet (expansion) TOTAL COST $76 million

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