Low-risk asbestos removed from Kugluktuk RCMP building

The RCMP detachment building in Kugluktuk, Nunavut, is now free of asbestos, but officers face a new challenge: how to detain intoxicated individuals while the building undergoes renovations this month.

Kugluktuk RCMP have been operating from a nearby office building since late June, when a contractor accidentally found and disturbed asbestos in the furnace room.

While inspectors last week deemed the asbestos to be of low risk and it has since been removed, Sgt. Chris Bewsher said the detachment will continue working out of the office building until most of the construction is completed. In the meantime,officers will haveaccess to only one cell.

Bewsher said detaining multiple prisoners in one cell can create a risk for the inmates, so the police plan to deal withintoxicated individuals a little differently for now.

"Provided it doesn't jeopardize the safety of the client and/or the general public, we'll seek options to ask sober and responsible family members or friends to take care and custody of anybody who would otherwise be placed into custody to sleep off the effects of drinking," he said.

Thehamlet councilimposed a temporary liquor ban while the RCMP moved out of the detachment following the asbestos discovery.

Bewsher told CBCNews.ca on Monday that the ban was lifted July 12-16 for a special function, but RCMP have asked the Kugluktuk hamlet council to consider reinstating the ban from July 16-26. Council is scheduled to discuss the request at a meeting Monday night.

Inspectors at the detachment have since determined the discovered asbestos to be of low risk, Bewsher said. The asbestos was removed and air test results showed the detachment was safe.

The renovation work is scheduled to be finished before the beginning of August.