At the western gateway to Waterloo, a new Sûreté du Québec police station has quietly redefined what institutional architecture can be. Designed by STGM Architecture, in consortium with CIMAISE, the project serves the MRC of Haute-Yamaska while striking a thoughtful balance between security, environmental responsibility, and human experience.

A site shaped by transition
Positioned between agricultural land and the urban core, the site sits at a natural threshold—rural landscape meeting city fabric. From the outset, the design team prioritized minimal territorial impact, locating the building within already disturbed areas to protect adjacent wetlands and wooded zones. The result is a civic facility that meets—and goes beyond—regulatory requirements for responsible site stewardship.These homes respond directly to the evolving needs of today’s urban households.

The landscape as architectural reference
The surrounding Montérégie topography, including views toward Mount Shefford, directly informed the building’s placement and form. Modulated rooflines, carefully framed openings, and calibrated massing establish a visual dialogue with the hills beyond. Inside and out, the station maintains a continuous relationship with its surroundings—an uncommon gesture for high-security infrastructure.

Clarity, security, and openness
Internally, the building is organized with a clear hierarchy and strict separation of circulation: public zones, staff areas, and secure spaces operate independently yet coherently. Façade treatments and controlled access points reinforce this logic, achieving a careful equilibrium between openness and protection—one that is legible, functional, and reassuring for users.

Designing for people
A generous, wood-clad entrance canopy welcomes visitors and orients them toward the landscape. Inside, natural light floods the public hall through expansive glazing and a central skylight. Wood ceilings soften the institutional character, while workspaces are oriented to the north and northwest to ensure consistent daylight without glare. Common areas and break spaces benefit from outward views, supporting comfort and well-being for occupants.

Performance, durability, and adaptability
Targeting LEED certification, the station combines steel and wood construction to meet operational demands while reducing embodied carbon. Wood roof trusses enable a technical mezzanine, freeing up ground area for vegetation. A high-performance envelope—designed according to the perfect wall principle—minimizes thermal bridging and enhances energy efficiency, while durable materials and integrated snow and rainwater management reduce long-term operating costs.

Designed to evolve, the building’s adaptable layout and restrained architectural language allow it to respond to future needs without major interventions.

A long-term vision for public architecture
The Sûreté du Québec police station in Waterloo exemplifies a contemporary approach to institutional design—one that respects its landscape, prioritizes users, and plans for longevity. It stands as a compelling model for how public buildings in Québec can be secure, sustainable, and deeply connected to place.

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