RCMP Watch

May 10 2006
CBC News

The RCMP is getting set to sign a $624-million lease-to-own deal to move its headquarters to a state-of-the-art complex in Nepean.

The current headquarters on Vanier Parkway are said to be cramped and the building’s security has been questioned.

For the past few months, the federal government has been working on a deal to make the former JDS Uniphase campus on Merivale Road near Prince of Wales Drive into the RCMP’s new headquarters.

The 25-year lease-to-own deal would cost $624 million once rent, management fees, renovation and moving costs are included.

Officials say the 81,000-square-metre complex, which was built during the technology boom, is state-of-the-art. The site is also big enough to allow for future expansion.

Price tag ‘exorbitant’: NDP

However, the NDP criticized the deal in the House of Commons Tuesday, calling the price “exorbitant.”

NDP MP Paul Dewar also questioned the federal government’s decision to rent instead of buying several years ago when the price was lower.

Three years ago, the former Liberal government looked into buying the site for about $65 million for the Department of National Defence. It was then owned by JDS Uniphase, which built it for $200 million.

The department backed out of the deal, and Minto Developments snatched it up soon after for about $30 million.

“Over $620 million for this property by the time they finally own it. Twenty times more than the original purchase price. Is this the minister’s notion of a good deal for taxpayers?” said NDP Ottawa Centre MP Paul Dewar in the House of Commons Tuesday.

The Conservatives said they have not yet inked the deal.

“The parties are still negotiating because this is an important file for us. We need to have closure on this relocation,” said Michael Fortier, the minister of Public Works.

In the House of Commons Tuesday, the government said MPs can debate the deal — after it’s been signed.