TORONTO - The Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services (MCSCS) and Infrastructure Ontario today announced that Shield Infrastructure Group is the preferred proponent selected to design, build, finance and maintain several new OPP facilities in 16 communities across Ontario. As the preferred proponent, Shield Infrastructure Group is in the process of negotiating a final contract with Infrastructure Ontario. 

The OPP Modernization Project ultimately involves the construction of 18 new detachments, regional headquarters and forensic identification units across 16 communities in Ontario, including: Kenora, Dryden, Armstrong, Nipigon, Kapuskasing, Timmins, Iroquois Falls, North Bay, Burk's Falls, Chatham-Kent, Walkerton, Mount Forest, Orillia, Peterborough, Smiths Falls and Long Sault. 

The new facilities, which in many cases are replacing work spaces (or buildings) that have exceeded their useful life, will feature up-to-date modern facilities to better support the demands of modern police operations and meet the needs of the community. 

The construction project will provide a sizeable stimulus to Ontario's economy by directly and indirectly creating and supporting thousands of jobs. Labour will be drawn from across the province.

“I'm pleased to see the OPP modernization project take this important step forward,” said the Honourable Rick Bartolucci, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services. “Investing in modern OPP facilities is a further demonstration of the McGuinty government's commitment to building safe, strong communities across Ontario.” 

Since 2003, MCSCS has replaced or significantly renovated 32 OPP facilities including three provincial communications centres; five forensic identification units, 22 detachments; and two specialty units.

The selection of Shield Infrastructure Group is the result of an extensive evaluation that followed a request for proposals process that began in August 2009. The Shield Infrastructure Group team includes:

  • Developer: HOCHTIEF PPP Solutions North America Inc.
  • Design: NORR Ltd.; Shore Tilbe Irwin + Partners; MCW Consultants Ltd.; 
  • Banerjee & Associates Ltd.; MMM Group Ltd. 
  • Construction: Bird Design Build Ltd. 
  • Facilities Management:  Honeywell Ltd. 
  • Financial Advisor: HOCHTIEF PPP Solutions North America Inc.

Following successful negotiations with Shield Infrastructure Group, the project is expected to reach commercial close and financial close in August 2010, which will mean that relevant contracts have been signed, a financing rate has been set, the project's costs are finalized, and funds have been made available for the project.

Project costs will be announced publicly following financial close of the project. Construction is expected to begin shortly thereafter in fall 2010. 

Infrastructure Ontario and the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services will work to develop the new OPP facilities, which will remain publicly owned, publicly controlled and publicly accountable. Infrastructure Ontario is a Crown corporation dedicated to managing some of the province's larger and more complex infrastructure renewal projects - ensuring they are built on time and on budget. 

Visit www.infrastructureontario.ca for more information. 

Contacts: 

Laura Blondeau  
Minister's Office
Community Safety and Correctional  
(416) 325-4973 

Anthony Brown
Ministry of Community Safety and Services Correctional Services
(416) 314-7772

Tom Boreskie 
Infrastructure Ontario 
(416) 212-6447