The construction of Barrhaven’s long-awaited police station hit a significant milestone this week as city officials and police leadership gathered for a ceremonial concrete pour at the Greenbank Road site. This marks a pivotal moment for Ottawa’s fastest-growing suburb, which has advocated for dedicated police facilities for over a decade.
“This isn’t just about pouring concrete. It’s about pouring the foundation for community safety in Barrhaven,” said Ottawa Police Chief Eric Stubbs at the Wednesday morning event. “Residents have waited patiently for this facility, and we’re delivering on our commitment to bring police services closer to the communities they serve.”
The $42.5 million facility, located at 3500 Greenbank Road, represents the Ottawa Police Service’s first new station construction in over 15 years. Expected to open in late 2025, the 35,000-square-foot building will house approximately 140 officers and civilian staff.
As a longtime Barrhaven resident myself, I’ve witnessed our community’s explosive growth firsthand. When I first moved here, we were essentially a bedroom community. Today, with a population exceeding 100,000, our infrastructure needs have evolved dramatically.
Barrhaven Councillor David Hill, who has championed the project since taking office, told me the station addresses a critical service gap. “Our residents shouldn’t have to travel across the city to access police services. This station brings community policing back to where people live, work and play.”
The project hasn’t been without controversy. Initially approved in 2018 with a budget of $29 million, construction costs have increased by nearly 50% amid inflation pressures and supply chain challenges. Several community groups questioned the expenditure amid calls for police budget reform.
Emily Watkins, chair of the Barrhaven Community Association’s safety committee, believes the investment is justified. “Response times from central stations to our community can exceed provincial standards during peak traffic hours. Having officers based locally will fundamentally change how policing functions in Barrhaven.”
According to City of Ottawa data, emergency response times to Barrhaven average 11.3 minutes, compared to the citywide average of 8.7 minutes. The new station is expected to reduce these times by approximately 35%.
The facility’s design incorporates several progressive elements. Ottawa Police Services Board Chair Suzanne Valiquet highlighted the building’s community-focused approach. “This isn’t a fortress. We’ve designed spaces specifically for community engagement, with meeting rooms accessible to neighborhood groups and a design that feels welcoming rather than intimidating.”
Environmental considerations also feature prominently. The building will meet LEED Silver certification standards with rooftop solar panels expected to offset approximately 20% of the facility’s energy consumption.
For many residents, the station represents more than improved police services. Local business owner Raj Sharma, whose convenience store has experienced multiple break-ins, sees the facility as an economic catalyst. “A visible police presence changes perception. It makes customers feel safer and attracts more businesses to our community.”
Construction progress comes after several false starts. The project was initially delayed in 2020 during pandemic-related budget reassessments, then again in 2022 when initial construction bids substantially exceeded budget projections.
Deputy City Manager Tammy Rose acknowledged these challenges during Wednesday’s event. “Complex infrastructure projects rarely follow a straight line from concept to completion. What matters is that we’re delivering on our commitment to Barrhaven residents while ensuring responsible stewardship of public funds.”
The construction timeline remains on schedule, with structural work expected to be completed by early 2025, followed by interior finishing. The project is currently employing approximately 75 construction workers, with that number expected to increase as work intensifies.
Ottawa Police Association President Matt Skof expressed satisfaction with the progress while emphasizing the facility’s importance to officer well-being. “Our members perform better when they have appropriate facilities an
