Federal government invests in net-zero RCMP building in North Cowichan

NORTH COWICHAN, B.C. – The federal government is investing $11.5 million through the Green Municipal Fund (GMF) towards construction of a net-zero energy-ready RCMP detachment facility in the municipality of North Cowichan, B.C.

The investment is in the form of a $10 million low interest loan and a $1.5 million grant, a government release said.

The new 50,000-square-foot building integrates the North Cowichan/Duncan Detachment, Forensic Identification Services, South Island Traffic Services and Indigenous Policing into one facility. 

The GMF previously supported construction of a net-zero energy-ready RCMP detachment in Fort St. John and the North Cowichan project is modelled on that design but has been optimized for the region’s unique climate and usage needs, the release stated.

Optimized features of the building include structure and site orientation improvements, high-efficiency equipment, rooftop solar photovoltaic panels, solar shading to reduce cooling demand by 45 per cent and daylight sensors to reduce annual lighting operations by 25 per cent.