ORC and Partners Build New Forensics Facility in Thunder Bay

Crime solving capabilities in Northwestern Ontario were given a major boost in late 2009 with the opening of a state-of-the-art new 13,500-square-foot Forensic Identification Facility building in Thunder Bay.

The new $6.6 million James Street facility was constructed for the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services, the OPP and Thunder Bay Police Service, who now have advanced tools to analyze evidence, solve crimes and keep northern communities safe.

Ontario Realty Corporation worked with the OPP, Ministry partners, and Thunder Bay Police Service to identify the site, conduct the required environmental assessments and project-manage the team of construction partners that included Man-Shield Construction, NORR Architects and SNC- Lavalin Profac.

Thanks to the efforts of the ORC team that included Brian Aho – Area Manager, Project & Construction Services, Andrew Cotter – Area Manager, Portfolio Management and Gilbert Mathieu, Property Manager, the 18-month project was completed both on time and on budget.

The new facility includes:

A biohazard/chemical laboratory and bloodstain room for blood spatter examination

Modern fingerprinting technologies

A specially designed heating, ventilation and air conditioning system to reduce exposure of personnel to harmful chemicals.

On hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony was OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino, who explained, "The collection, analysis and storage of evidence are essential to any police investigation. I am very pleased that this state-of-the-art facility is now making a significant contribution to public safety in the Northwest Region."

Added Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services Rick Bartolucci, "The new Thunder Bay forensic identification services unit will advance the science of criminal investigation in northwestern Ontario and support the OPP in solving crimes and keeping our communities safe."

This new facility is one of five forensic identification units the Ontario government has replaced or upgraded since 2003. An additional eight forensic units will be upgraded as part of an OPP Modernization Project.

L-R: MPP Michael Gravelle; MPP Bill Mauro; Minister MCSCS Rick Bartolucci;
OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino; Thunder Bay Police Deputy Chief
J.P. Levesque; OPP Deputy Commissioner Vince Hawkes