Announcement on new police headquarters expected soon

The fate of the Winnipeg police headquarters could be made known within the next few days.

"I would expect an announcement very, very soon," Mayor Sam Katz said during a council meeting on Wednesday.

When asked how soon, he suggested it would be within the next week. However, sources told CBC the announcement could come as soon as Friday.

The limestone-clad exterior of the Public Safety Building is crumbling, while the interior of the downtown building — which also serves as the communications centre for the police, fire and paramedic services — no longer accommodates all of the needs placed upon it.

Police officials say there's not enough office space or room to process people under arrest. Police Chief Keith McCaskill has also said recently that police need a larger place to store evidence and a better forensics facility.

One of the sites being considered is the Canada Post building a few blocks away on Graham Avenue. The post office is moving its headquarters to a new location near the airport.