The new Vancouver Police Training Academy, located in the Woodward’s building in the Downtown Eastside, officially opened Thursday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“This state-of-the-art academy represents a new chapter in the history of the VPD and, crucially, in how recruits are trained to become officers who will serve the unique and dynamic policing needs of Vancouver,” said Vancouver Police Department Chief Steve Rai.

“For the first time since 1978, when the department last had its own training program, we will be able to fully develop the next generation of police officers in Vancouver, from the day they join our organization to when they graduate and begin their careers with the VPD.”

Recruits have already begun training at the facility. Earlier this week, a class of 40 recruits started their studies and is expected to join the VPD on June 25, 2027. A second class of 40 recruits is scheduled to begin training on Jan. 18, 2027.

“The opening of the Vancouver Police Training Academy is a significant milestone for public safety in Vancouver,” said Terry Yung, Minister of State for Community Safety and Integrated Services.

“As a graduate and former trustee of the Justice Institute of B.C., training recruits within the city will give them valuable exposure to the operational environment, diverse communities and public safety challenges they will encounter throughout their careers. This academy will help prepare the next generation of officers and strengthen public safety for residents, businesses and visitors alike.”

The academy was first announced in February, with provincial approval granted in March.

The 30,000-square-foot facility spans three floors within the Woodward’s building.

“The academy is a foundational addition to the Woodward’s building and to the Downtown Eastside community,” said Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim.

“Greater police presence in the area is already showing a positive public safety impact with the addition of District 5 operations and will only continue to improve now that the academy is running.”

Funding for the facility included $4 million from the City of Vancouver, of which $2.8 million was for the establishment of District 5 operations. Additional funding came from the VPD’s budget.

“Ultimately, the academy is an investment in public safety,” Rai said.

“Recruits coming through the VPD Academy will have the exceptional skills Vancouver residents, businesses and visitors expect from the VPD, and they’ll be ready to deploy across the city the moment they graduate.”