The long-awaited Barrhaven police station faces another significant setback, with completion now pushed to May 2027 – nearly three years behind the original timeline. City officials confirmed yesterday that unexpected soil conditions at the Greenbank Road site have complicated construction efforts.
“We’ve encountered soil that’s much softer than anticipated,” explained James Wilson, Ottawa’s Director of Infrastructure Services. “This requires additional engineering work and foundation reinforcement that wasn’t in our original plans.”
The station, intended to serve Ottawa’s fastest-growing southern communities, was initially projected for completion in late 2024. Construction costs have also climbed to $58.6 million, representing a $7.2 million increase from earlier estimates.
For Barrhaven residents like Maria Santoro, the delay feels like déjà vu. “We’ve been waiting for proper police infrastructure for years,” she told me while shopping at the local farmers’ market. “Every time we get close, something pushes the timeline back.”
The geotechnical challenges mean contractors must now install specialized deep foundation systems. This process involves driving concrete piles much deeper than originally planned to reach stable bedrock beneath the problematic soil layers.
Ottawa Police Services Board Chair Eli El-Chantiry expressed frustration but emphasized safety priorities. “While disappointing, we must ensure the facility meets all structural requirements,” he stated during yesterday’s board meeting. “This station will serve the community for decades, so getting it right matters more than getting it fast.”
The 42,000-square-foot facility will eventually house approximately 140 officers and staff, featuring community meeting spaces, modern detention areas, and specialized investigation rooms. When completed, it will become the fourth major police station in Ottawa.
City Councillor Donna Blackburn, representing Barrhaven West, has vocally criticized the delays. “My constituents deserve better than constant postponements,” she said. “With Barrhaven’s population now exceeding 100,000, having proper police infrastructure isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity.”
The soil issues weren’t the only factors contributing to the extended timeline. Supply chain disruptions affecting construction materials and labor shortages in specialized trades have compounded the challenges.
According to recent Ottawa Police statistics, response times in Barrhaven and surrounding areas average 2-4 minutes longer than central Ottawa neighborhoods. The new station aims to address this disparity while accommodating projected growth in the region.
Community safety advocate Tyler Johnson, who heads the Barrhaven Community Association’s safety committee, expressed measured disappointment. “Obviously we’d prefer having the station sooner, but we also understand complex construction projects face unexpected hurdles,” he told me via phone. “What’s frustrating is this seems to happen with every major infrastructure project in our area.”
In the interim, Ottawa Police will continue operating from the existing south-end facility on Leitrim Road, supplemented by community policing centers. Chief Eric Ferguson assured residents that service levels would remain a priority despite the construction delays.
The Greenbank Road location was selected after extensive community consultation, chosen specifically for its central position within the growing community and proximity to major thoroughfares. The 3.2-acre property was purchased by the city in 2019 for $11.2 million.
For context, this isn’t the only major infrastructure project facing delays in Ottawa’s southern communities. The Barrhaven LRT extension and the widening of Strandherd Drive have both experienced similar timeline adjustments in recent years.
When I visited the construction site yesterday, only preliminary groundwork was visible, with soil testing equipment still present. Construction crews appeared to be conducting additional geotechnical assessments rather than moving forward with structural work.
The revised project timeline now shows foundation work beginning this summer, with structural framing not starting until early 2025. Interior work will consume most of 2026, followed by commissioning and staff training in early 2027.
