The Steinbach RCMP detachment is seeing its parking lot reconstructed.

Staff Sergeant Harold Laninga says the highway construction project in front of the detachment will eat up some of their parking spots, forcing them to build additional ones out back.

"We're losing the parking for our employees," notes Laninga. "Where the vehicles are currently parking will still remain for the most part intact. But we are losing the parking for where our staff would park."

They are also changing the parking configuration in front of the building on the east side. He says this should actually allow them to grow their parking area by a few spots.

Work on the parking lot started just recently, though Highway 12 reconstruction has been happening all summer. Laninga says he appreciates the cooperation of motorists during this process.

"I think it's been a bit of a problem for people being able to get to the office," he says. "People have been creative and we appreciate everyone working with us to get that done."

He notes for all those needing to drop by the detachment during construction, the best option is to access it off Acres Drive from Industrial Road.

Laninga says he expects the parking lot project to be complete by the end of October.

Meanwhile, several trees have been removed to the north of the detachment. Laninga says that was done as part of the process of bringing the elevation to the correct level.