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
