Kawartha Lakes Police Looking To Acquire Paramedic Building In Lindsay For Future Expansion

KAWARTHA LAKES-The Kawartha Lakes Police Service is looking to the future and planning for expansion.

On June 28, 2021, the Director of Community Services, Craig Shanks and Chief Mitchell met to discuss the feasibility of utilizing the 4 Victoria Avenue facility to meet future growth needs for KLPS.

The Police Services Board recently discussed the possibility of acquiring the Paramedic Service HQ is currently located directly adjacent to the police station. The building was also the former home of KLPS until the Service moved into its current facility in 1994.

Officials say once it becomes available, the acquisition of 4 Victoria Avenue would address the long-term growth needs for KLPS. In their 2021 Master Plan, +VG Architects recommended renovations to provide 4,000 to 5,000 sq.ft. to better allocate space for operations (p.11). At roughly 3,600 sq.ft., 4 Victoria Avenue would address those needs according to a report prepared by Chief Mark Mitchell.

Additionally, police say any expansion within the existing police station footprint would be structurally difficult and would have a significant disruption on operations.

The following units and functions could potentially benefit from the acquisition of 4 Victoria Avenue North:

• Archives
• Auxiliary
• Communications
• Community Response Unit
• Criminal Investigation Branch
• Information Technology
• Fitness area
• Records

A report prepared for the board states there is also the possibility of physically connecting the two facilities, although this would have to be explored further from an engineering and economic perspective.

Community Services is asking for an expression of interest from the Service and the Board if we are interested in acquiring 4 Victoria Avenue North when it becomes available (estimated to be in the next 2-4 years).

“In my view, the acquisition of 4 Victoria Avenue North addresses the future needs of the Police Service. From a geographical and a structural perspective, the south side of the building is the most feasible option for expansion. With a suitable facility already there, it also makes sense from an economic perspective.” said Police Chief Mark Mitchell.

At a date to be determined, it is anticipated that the Paramedic Service will move to a new facility combining their Lindsay base and Headquarters.

4 Victoria Avenue North is a two-storey, brick building built around 1890 which has had numerous physical upgrades. There are not any significant structural concerns with the building. The top floor is divided into offices with a small kitchenette. The basement level is a combination of storage space, change room and washroom areas and a small boardroom. There is also an elevator to meet accessibility requirements. 

“It is recommended that the Board submit an expression of interest to the Director of Community Services for the 4 Victoria Avenue North property when it becomes available,” Mitchell said.