The Bonnyville RCMP detachment held its official grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony last week, with a number of RCMP and government dignitaries in attendance.
Town Coun. John Irwin MC'd the ceremony, which took place at 10 a.m. on Friday and thanked all those involved in making the new RCMP detachment possible.
“On behalf of Mayor Isley and myself and my whole council, we thank you all for joining us today,” said Irwin. “Our council and our entire community take great pride in this facility and those who work within it.”
One of the first speakers was Town Mayor Ernie Isley, who also presented a plaque to Staff Sgt. Luis Gandolfi.
“I'd like to say thank you to the members of Town Council who unanimously supported the project and the $6.3 million in financing,” said Isley, who also thanked the former Bonnyville Staff Sgt. David Elliot.
Following Isley was Brian Storseth, MP for Westlock – St. Paul, representing the Prime Minister and government of Canada.
“Wow, what an amazing facility that we have here,” Storseth began. “The reason so many people are here today to celebrate this remarkable opening isn't just because it's a nice facility, it's because of the leadership role the RCMP take in our local communities, each and every day. They are some of the true leaders in our communities.”
Storseth thanked the RCMP for their preventative programs and initiatives in the community and the leadership role the RCMP holds in Bonnyville and across Canada.
“The RCMP symbolizes such an amazing sense of pride, especially in Western Canada,” Storseth continued. “The red serge is one of those symbols that we as western Canadians, particularly Albertans, are always proud to see.”
After Storseth, Irwin introduced Genia Leskiw, MLA for Bonnyville – Cold Lake, representing Premier Allison Redford.
“This marks a significant development in our growing community and it is truly an honour for me to celebrate the grand opening of the new building for the RCMP detachment,” said Leskiw.
“The RCMP of Bonnyville detachment serves and polices the Town of Bonnyville, the MD of Bonnyville and Kehewin First Nation. It plays such a major role in ensuring our communities are safe and for that, we are very thankful.”
One of the final speeches was presented by Deputy Commissioner Dale McGowan, Commanding Officer of K-Division, in Edmonton.
“I'm very proud and honoured to be here this morning to open yet another detachment here in Alberta. I always love coming to these things because there's a sense of energy, a sense of revitalization,” he said.
He noted the change in events, being that the ribbon cutting ceremony had been moved to May instead of late fall, was quite fitting for the detachment.
“I think that it's very fitting that it's spring when things are new and they're green and they're growing and I think that it's important that we celebrate and mark this day. This is a close-knit ceremony for a close-knit community.
“Detachment life and community policing remains to be the heart of what we do throughout this country, especially here in Western Canada and Alberta. The RCMP has a long and rich tradition and history here in Alberta.”
He noted that as the RCMP moved from forts to detachments, evolved leading edge technology, the RCMP also continues to protect the communities they serve.
“We have come a long way and we're very proud of that. Today we mark the closing of one chapter of RCMP history here in this area but we embark on yet another.
“This new building serves as a symbol of the trust and respect bestowed upon the RCMP by the citizens and the leadership in this area in Bonnyville. The community investment in this project sends a strong message to the men and women of the RCMP.”
There were two prayers that took place throughout the event, the first of which was by Reverend Bruce Dirk and the second a dedication prayer by Karen Collins, Zone II Regional Council of Métis Nation of Alberta.
Dirk prayed to keep the community safe as we continue to “live quiet and peaceful lives,” and to show respect for the RCMP as they serve and protect us.
Later on in the ceremony, Collins prayed for “the gifts of life, the gifts of health, the gifts of family and the gifts of love” as “we celebrate a new home for those given hearts and life for the benefit of others.”
