Full Breakdown
New Vancouver Police Training Academy Opens in Downtown Eastside
By Drooid · · How we work
Opening of the State-of-the-Art Academy
The Vancouver Police Department (VPD) inaugurated a new Police Training Academy on Thursday inside the former London Drugs space at 351 Abbott St., a building historically known as Woodward’s. The 30,000-square-foot facility spans three floors and will initially host 40 recruits, with an additional cohort of 40 slated to begin in January. Those trainees are expected to join the city’s police force in June of the following year.
Background and Funding
VPD’s last dedicated training program operated in 1978, making this the first purpose-built academy in more than four decades. The City of Vancouver contributed $4 million toward the project, allocating $2.8 million for the establishment of District 5 and $1.2 million for the academy itself. All remaining costs are covered by the approved VPD budget.
Official Statements & Responses
Chief Steve Rai described the academy as a “new chapter” for the department, emphasizing its role in preparing officers for Vancouver’s “unique and dynamic policing needs.” Mayor Ken Sim highlighted the academy’s contribution to the Woodward’s building and the surrounding Downtown Eastside community, noting that the increased police presence has already begun to improve public safety.
Features and Capacity
The academy includes a virtual-reality room for high-pressure scenario training, two large and two small active-learning classrooms, a report-writing suite, a dedicated police radio channel, a gym with turf flooring, an athletic-therapy space, and a massage/physiotherapy/first-aid room. A cafeteria and a police museum will also occupy the building.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The Academy is a foundational addition to the Woodward’s building and to the Downtown Eastside community,” — Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim