Farmers and residents around Niverville in the Red River Valley can expect expanded local police services going forward.
The RCMP officially opened their promised Niverville detachment on Monday, Nov. 3. The new building was opened to the public to mark the occasion.
The 3,000-square-foot facility began construction in early 2023 and will be staffed by four officers and one civilian employee, according to the RCMP.
Read Also
Nanotechnology used to develop genetic pest control
Researchers from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada are working with nanotechnology and RNA to develop new pest insect control methods as an alternative to chemical spray on crops.
WHY IT MATTERS: The RCMP detachment opens as rural Manitoba grapples with ongoing property crime concerns affecting farm operations.
“We are extremely proud to officially open this new detachment to better serve the ever growing and vibrant community of Niverville,” said assistant commissioner Scott McMurchy, commanding officer of the Manitoba RCMP, in a Nov. 3 release. “Many of our officers live in the community with their families and I know they are looking forward to providing the very best in policing services to a community they call home.”
The office will operate Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Services will include general inquiries and special occasion licences. Criminal record check services will be on offer Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Officers from the St-Pierre-Jolys detachment will continue to assist Niverville as needed, the RCMP added.
Local need for police
The new detachment provides peace of mind as the town expands, said Niverville Mayor Myron Dyck.
“As the Town of Niverville continues to grow, we are thankful for the RCMP presence in our community,” Dyck said. “The opening of this new detachment is an exciting continuation of that presence and will provide peace of mind to residents that a detachment is now so close to home.”
Keystone Agricultural Producers and Manitoba farmers have raised concerns about rising rural crime rates for years, as have farmers and farm groups in other parts of the Prairies. Incidents getting increased attention include thefts of fuel, equipment and livestock.
Farm groups have argued for several action items in regards to rural policing, including response times. Last year, KAP’s fall district meeting included a special presentation from a legal expert on landowners’ rights when it comes to self-protection from crime.
