The Halton Regional Police Service officially opened its new District 1 building on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, located on the border between Milton and Halton Hills. The 66,000-square-foot facility is designed to consolidate command and operations into one central location, replacing the current 12 Division Milton station and supporting the region's rapid population growth.
Consolidation for Efficiency
Halton Regional Police Chief Stephen Tanner emphasized the strategic importance of the new station. “As our community continues to grow, the demand on policing also grows with them,” Tanner said. “Bringing our members into one central location in the north end of Halton, we are creating a stronger, more co-ordinated response, reflecting the expected growth and continued growth of both Milton and Halton Hills communities.”
The new station will consolidate 1 District command and police operations into a single site, alongside sub-stations in Georgetown and Acton. This reorganization aims to improve response times and resource allocation as the area expands.
Planning for Tomorrow
The building is situated at the far east end of Milton’s current expansion, west of the Toronto outlet mall at Steeles Avenue and Trafalgar Road, just north of Highway 401. While currently in a rural setting, Milton Mayor Gordon Krants explained that the location was chosen with long-term growth in mind. “Ten years ago, we started looking at properties in Halton Hills and in several places in the town of Milton and it was zeroed in that this might be a suitable location,” Krants said. “With regards to growth — and I have heard on the odd occasion, ‘Why would you even think about building a police station out there in no-man’s land?’ — let me assure you that if you come back in 20 years’ time, this station will be in the centre of growth. We have to look forward 15 to 25 years into the future and that is something (we) did at that point in time.”
Population Projections Drive Investment
According to 2021 census data, the North Halton area, including Georgetown and Acton, had a population of 62,951. Regional assessments project an increase of about 132,000 by 2051. Milton’s population was 124,579 in 2021, but by 2024 Statistics Canada reported it had reached 152,817. A town-commissioned study forecasts Milton could reach 400,400 by 2051.
Chief Tanner noted, “This new building allows us to increase our deployment of officers year over year to reflect the continued growth of both Milton and Halton Hills. This is about being ready for growth, for change and to meet the needs of tomorrow for today.”
Sustainable and Modern Design
The facility is designed to support innovation and modern operations, housing all 1 District operations, a backup 911 and data centre, and a full district lockup. Enhanced sustainability features include heat recovery technology and rooftop solar photovoltaics, which are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 31% and generate 20-25% of the annual electrical consumption from renewable energy.
The new building represents a significant investment in the region’s future, ensuring that police services can keep pace with the fast-growing communities of Milton and Halton Hills.
