CORNWALL, November 16, 2005 -- The Honourable Mauril Bélanger, Minister for Internal Trade, Deputy Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, Minister responsible for Official Languages, and Associate Minister of National Defence, today announced that the Government of Canada has granted lease project approval for the new Cornwall RCMP Detachment building.“New infrastructure in the city of Cornwall will greatly improve law enforcement operations in this important region,” said Minister Bélanger. “It will allow the RCMP to deliver on its strategic priorities of combating organized crime and terrorism, ensuring economic integrity, and building better relations with aboriginal communities.”Lease project approval for the new Cornwall Detachment allows for the acquisition of a site and development of a 4,542 square meter facility. The building will provide accommodation for 127 law enforcement personnel, and in addition to the RCMP, will house partners from the Canada Border Service Agency, Ontario Provincial Police, Sûreté du Québec, City of Cornwall Police, and various United States agencies.The detachment building will be delivered through a 25-year lease-purchase agreement with a private sector partner. A site has been identified in the area of McConnell Avenue and the Highway 401 interchange, ensuring easy access to the eastern Ontario and western Quebec service area.Public Works and Government Services Canada will support the RCMP by purchasing the proposed site, managing the lease-purchase agreement, as well as the delivery and commissioning of the new facility. The land acquisition is in closing. For further information: Shawn Salewski Office of the Honourable Mauril Bélanger (613) 952-6732Media Relations UnitPublic Works and Government Services Canada(819) 956-2315
