Vancouver Police Training Academy opens in Woodward's building with first 40-officer class already in session

The Vancouver Police Training Academy opened Thursday in the Woodward's building in the Downtown Eastside, marking the first time since 1978 that the VPD has operated its own training program.

The facility spans 30,000 square feet across three floors. A first class of 40 recruits began training earlier this week and is expected to graduate and deploy with the VPD on June 25, 2027. A second class of 40 recruits will start January 18, 2027.

The City of Vancouver has committed $4 million total funding, with $2.8 million allocated to District 5 operations. Additional funding comes from the VPD's budget, though the city did not specify the amount. The academy was first announced in February, and provincial approval was granted in March.

Vancouver Police Chief Steve Rai said in a statement Thursday: "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." He added: "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."

Terry Yung, Minister of State for Community Safety and Integrated Services, called the opening "a significant milestone for public safety in Vancouver." Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim said: "The academy is a foundational addition to the Woodward's building and to the Downtown Eastside community. 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."

Rai concluded: "Ultimately, the academy is an investment in public safety."