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“In 2013 it was determined that the headquarters was no longer servicing the police in the way that they needed it to,” said city councillor Joel Murray, who sits on the Board of Police Commissioners. “It was an opportunity that we had to jump on.”

The city also says it’s a good deal — about one-third the $140-million estimated cost for constructing a new building.

The government announced in the March budget that it was shutting down STC, which ceased operations May 31. The Crown corporation had opened in its then newly-built, $26.2-million terminal and head office building in downtown Regina in November 2008.

According to Murray, an outside appraisal service was brought in to assess the value of the building. The city’s $16.25 million bid reflects that assessment.

City manager Chris Holden said the money will come out of the city’s reserve funds first, likely not causing any additional debt.

Bray said they aren’t sure exactly what structural changes will be needed for now, but the new space provides an opportunity to offer more of a “sanctuary” type environment for people reporting domestic conflict or sexual assault.

In addition to providing a more comfortable place for victims, the increase in square footage will allow the RPS to centralize. Bray said as an institution centred on information sharing, the service works best when everyone is in the same place, and the new building will help achieve that goal.

As far as repurposing the space, Bray said more insulation and heating will be needed in the garage bay for the fleet maintenance team to work, if that’s what the space ends up being used for, and swipe pass security will need to installed.