THUNDER BAY – The Thunder Bay Police Service Board held its first meeting yesterday at its new offices.

“We just finalized it. This goes hand in hand with our strategic plan for ourselves and our budget process. It saves money in the long run by going here and having our own place to come and do our own business,” Karen Machado, chair of the Thunder Bay Police Services Board, told Newswatch.

The Thunder Bay Police Service Board previously held its meetings in conference rooms at the Valhalla Inn, but the move to 1111 Victoria Avenue East will result in a savings of $20,000 per year, according to Machado.

However, cost savings aren’t the only benefit of the new location. The council chamber adds an extra level of comfort for members of the public to watch council meetings.

“This is our place where we feel comfortable. We want it to be nice and invite people in,” Machado said.