Government of Ontario opens newly expanded London Justice Centre

 The Government of Ontario announced the opening of the London Justice Centre expansion, a newly renovated downtown facility located in Youth Opportunities Unlimited’s (YOU) Joan’s Place. This expanded centre will support the province’s work to protect communities and increase access to justice for at-risk young adults.

“Justice centres are transforming how justice is delivered across Ontario,” said Attorney General Doug Downey. “With the new permanent home for the London Justice Centre, our government is protecting Ontario by strengthening efforts to hold offenders accountable, support victims and survivors of crime and keep communities safe. By connecting at-risk young adults with critical supports—like addiction services, family counselling and life skills—we’re breaking the cycle of offending and protecting Ontario communities.”

The London Justice Centre previously provided access to virtual-only court proceedings in a smaller community-based space. The newly expanded Centre includes:

• An Ontario Court of Justice courtroom for in-person proceedings
• Technology to support remote testimony
• Crown attorney offices and dedicated spaces for duty counsel, Victim/Witness Assistance Program and multiple community partners, including the London Police Service
• Community space to provide mental health and addictions supports
• Multi-sector services that focus on addressing intimate partner violence

“The London Justice Centre is delivering real results and we’re building on that success,” said Associate Attorney General Michael Tibollo. “With this new, dedicated space and expanded programming, including mental health and addictions supports, we’re helping more young adults to make better choices and avoid reoffending.”

“The Ontario Court of Justice welcomes the expanded London Justice Centre, which advances the Court’s vision for a justice system that ensures all participants are treated with dignity and can take part meaningfully. The Court remains committed to working with justice partners to build an innovative, principled justice system that is responsive to community needs—particularly for overrepresented groups, including Indigenous and racialized individuals, and those facing mental health or addiction challenges. We commend the government’s efforts and look forward to continued collaboration to expand meaningful access to justice in London, and across Ontario,” said Sharon Nicklas, Chief Justice, Ontario Court of Justice.

“The community of London proudly welcomes the expansion of the London Justice Centre in YOU’s Joan’s Place where together we can ensure access to the training, employment and housing supports that meaningfully benefit many young adults in the criminal justice system. This expansion reflects our shared commitment to supporting individuals navigating the justice system with dignity and respect,” said Steve Cordes, executive director, Youth Opportunities Unlimited.

Featured image: (Government of Ontario)