Construction of the town's new $23 million protective services building is expected to begin in late April, early May, and be opened in the spring of 2023.

Last night, town facilities manager Greg Barsi told town council the project is being funded through debt and anticipates the debenture borrowing bylaw will be presented for consideration of first reading at council's Feb. 8 meeting.

A development permit is expected to be issued for the project in February, followed by a building permit in April.

The cost of borrowing will be partially recovered through a lease agreement with the federal government for their portion of the building, estimated to be approximately 53 per cent. The lease will also include a contribution towards shared space as well as operating and maintenance costs.

There will also be a one-time lump sum payment for RCMP-related furniture, fixtures, and equipment.

That lease is currently under review by federal officials.

Councillor Alex Reed asked if the new RCMP detachment in Morley would impact the lease, and was told none was anticipated. Barsi said there are other enforcement agencies expressing interest in leasing space in the new building.

"What we've heard recently, and we haven't got commitment of this,  there are a couple of other groups, including the regional headquarters as well as the provincial traffic units, that are interested in space in this facility as well, so I don't anticipate, regardless of what happens in Morley, we're going to have any issues filling this space over the years."

There is currently some vacant space in the building, and the more spaced lease, the lower the cost to ratepayers.

In response to a question by Councillor Tara McFadden on operating costs, Barsi says they are taking a closer look at these costs as they relate to the lease with the RCMP. He expects more information will be available during the Feb. 8 presentation to council.

Queried by Councillor Marni Fedeyko as to how accurate the estimates are, Barsi said he updated the costs just prior to the council meeting and he believes the numbers are accurate.

"Once we have that agreement in place we don't anticipate any construction costs increases other than the things that nobody can anticipate," said Barsi. "For example, when we get in the ground that's always a risk in what you're going to find. But this a green-filled site, so even with that we imagine a fairly low risk. Long story short, we're  very confident with the numbers we're bringing forward as the suitable numbers for construction."

The building is a long-awaited upgrade from the undersized RCMP detachment on 1st St. E. It will also be home to Town peace officers, Victim Services, and Citizens on Patrol.

The design of the building follows the town's western heritage guidelines with no to low maintenance finishes and low maintenance landscaping. Incorporated into its design, among other elements, are two styles of bricks, one of which emulates the appearance of the Cochrane brick.

The scope of the project has grown substantially over the years. In 2018, the town traded in a 2.1-acre lot they purchased in 2016 for $1.47 million for the current 4.66-acre lot that cost $3.27 million. The first lot was considered too small for the needs identified by the town and RCMP. Additionally, the new location, on the corner of Horse Creek Rd. and Hwy. 1A is considered better situated and further removed from the original location closer to the Hwy. 1A-22 interchange.

The building has morphed over the years and has long been on the town's 10-year financial strategy.

As recent as the town's 2019-21 budget, construction was projected to start in 2020 at a cost of $16 million.

In the town's 10-year financial strategy issued in 2013, constructed was expected to start 2015 at a cost of $11 million, using a blend of Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) funding and debt.