Welcome back to our Architectural Blog Series, where we highlight some of the great work happening at Parkin. In this blog, we’ll take a look at the recently opened York Regional Police (YRP) Training Facility in East Gwillimbury, Ontario.
About the York Regional Police – Training Facility
The new single-level facility will replace York Region’s previous training facility, built almost 20 years ago, located in the basement of the district four headquarters in Vaughan.
It is designed to meet the training, re-qualification, professional development and educational requirements of YRP’s 2,200 uniform and civilian members.
The facility also houses the region’s Corporate Development Services, responsible for uniform recruitment, and provides ongoing training, education, and development to YRP members.
Sustainability Goals and Achievements
The building was designed to LEED silver standards, including sustainable site development, water savings, energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality.
The site is East Gwillimbury is bounded by a ministry of natural resources wetland limit and includes a storm water management pond serving the adjacent regional buildings, as well as the new facility.
Building in this area required consultation training with authorities having jurisdiction, including Lake Simcoe Regional Conservation Authority and the Ministry of Natural Resources. Cut and fill of the existing site was necessary to meet desired grades and align with the storm water management pond.
Facility Highlights
The firing range can accommodate up to 18 individuals at a time. The 50-metre range includes space for a moving vehicle and barricades, used in practicing positioning while shooting.
The scenario room for practical skills training is equipped with a panel house with windows, doors and even a bathroom. It is outfitted with foam furniture to ensure trainees practicing realistic situations are safe.
Facility Features:
- 10 classrooms
- Simulation training room
- Practical skills training room
- 50-metre firing range
- Police vehicle operations driving simulator
- Fitness rooms
- Rappel wall
- Locker room
- Lunchroom
- Central loading bay and receiving area
Plans for Future Growth
The construction allows for growth of the YRP with allowances made throughout the facility. The number of lanes in the firing range can be increased, and space is allowed to create more classrooms. A provision for a future skid pad (for automotive testing) was also provided.
Project Details
- Project scope: New building
- Size: 89,042-square-feet
- Construction cost: $30.4M
- Completion Date: 2017
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