KITCHENER, ON, Feb. 22, 2013 /CNW/ - Construction of the Waterloo Region Courthouse is complete, improving justice services for local residents.
John Milloy, MPP for Kitchener Centre, was joined by Deputy Attorney General Patrick Monahan and Ken Seiling, Regional Chair of Waterloo Region, at a ribbon-cutting ceremony today to mark the completion of the project.
The new facility, located at Duke and Frederick streets in downtown Kitchener, consolidates the Superior Court of Justice and Ontario Court of Justice, currently operating in three locations across Waterloo Region. The multi-storey building has space to accommodate 30 courtrooms, including a multi-accused, high security courtroom.
Construction of the new facility began in March 2010. At the peak of construction, there were an estimated 420 construction workers on site daily.
Over the coming weeks, staff will transition into the new courthouse from the existing facilities across Waterloo Region. The new courthouse is expected to be fully operational on April 15, 2013.
As a part of the government's commitment to creating and promoting energy conservation in Ontario, the new courthouse was built to Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) Silver standard. The LEED program focuses on energy efficiency, healthy indoor environments and reduced greenhouse emissions. The building also features a barrier-free design and includes public access to courtrooms, witness stands, jury boxes and spectator areas. Courtrooms are equipped with the latest technology, such as video conferencing for remote appearances and testimony, closed circuit television so that vulnerable persons can appear before the court from a secure room within the courthouse, audio amplification systems, and simultaneous interpretation and evidence presentation equipment
Infrastructure Ontario worked with the Ministry of the Attorney General to develop the new courthouse. Infrastructure Ontario is a crown agency of the Province of Ontario that delivers large, complex infrastructure renewal projects on time and on budget. Over the last six years, the province has applied Infrastructure Ontario's Alternative Financing and Procurement model to 79 major projects valued at approximately $30 billion, saving taxpayers an estimated $3 billion. Infrastructure Ontario also manages one of the largest real estate portfolios in Canada, provides municipalities and eligible public sector clients with financing to renew public infrastructure, and leverages its private-sector expertise to manage major commercial transactions on behalf of the province.
Visit www.infrastructureontario.ca for more information.
Quotes:
Hon. John Gerretsen, Attorney General
"This new, modern, accessible facility brings together all local court services in Waterloo Region under one roof. The new courthouse will increase access to justice locally and be a one-stop shop for those who rely on its services."
John Milloy, MPP Kitchener Centre
"The new Waterloo Region Courthouse has great significance for not only the justice community, but local businesses, community agencies, and residents. It will have a major impact on the revitalization of downtown Kitchener."
SOURCE: Infrastructure Ontario
Jennifer Asals
Infrastructure Ontario
416-326-9357
Brendan Crawley
Ministry of the Attorney General
Communications Branch
416-326-2210
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