Waterloo Region – On November 5, 2024, Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) honoured the Region of Waterloo at their Annual Awards Night ceremony with an award in the category of Team Policing in recognition of exceptional work in the design, construction, and implementation of the new Central Division police building in Kitchener.

Two Regional staff from the Facilities and Fleet Management division were recognized for demonstrating their outstanding commitment to improving facilities and operational efficiency. The regional team led the varied phases of the design and construction of this building, ensuring it met all current and future needs of WRPS and the community.

“Supporting our police services is a critical partnership in our community,” said Karen Redman, Regional Chair. “This new Central Division is more than just a building, it’s home to community-oriented policing within a vibrant urban center.”

The planning and design of this building explored principles to provide an open, safe, and secure space, address environmental quality and sustainability, facilitate efficient function throughout the building, retain historic character while adding contemporary elements, and accommodate flexibility and growth.

On November 19, the Central Division project also received its official certification of LEED® silver (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) in recognition of the project's goal of minimizing its environmental impact. By achieving LEED® silver, the building will use 48 per cent less energy annually than similar existing buildings.

“Congratulations to René van den Berg and Ken Schwartzel for their leadership and collaboration on this project, and to the many other Regional and WRPS staff who worked to bring this building to life,” said Aaron Moss, director, Facilities and Fleet Management at the Region of Waterloo. “We’re proud of the work we do to help build and connect our community.”

The Region of Waterloo Facilities and Fleet Management division operates and manages 920 buildings across the region.

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