The Government of Ontario announced the completion of the expansion of the Brampton courthouse, one of the busiest courthouses in the province.
“A larger, more secure and accessible courthouse will address the growing needs of Peel Region and connect more people to critical court services, quickly and efficiently,” said Attorney General Doug Downey. “This new accessible space is not only thoughtful in its design, but is also a true reflection of positive transformation in our justice system.”
The government’s $117 million investment in the expansion of the Brampton courthouse includes:
- Six additional floors with 18 additional hearing rooms: 13 courtrooms, three settlement conference spaces and two pre-trial rooms for the Superior Court of Justice and Ontario Court of Justice
- Upgraded security features, including courtrooms built for trials involving multiple accused persons and remote testimony spaces
- Improved accessibility spaces such as barrier-free witness stands and specialized seating for jury members
“Today’s announcement reaffirms our government’s commitment to strengthening the province’s judicial system and keeping communities safe,” said Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure. “We are upgrading and modernizing critical infrastructure to meet the needs of Ontario’s rapidly growing population.”
The courthouse also boasts enhanced technology to support more virtual hearings, and builds on the government’s plan to transform Ontario’s courts by making them more accessible and responsive.
“We applaud the government’s investment in expanding and improving the Brampton courthouse, one of Ontario’s busiest courthouses located in one of the fastest growing regions in the province. The additional courtrooms and hearing rooms will allow both the Superior Court of Justice and the Ontario Court of Justice to improve access to justice for people in Peel Region,” said Geoffrey Morawetz and Sharon Nicklas, Chief Justice, Ontario Superior Court of Justice and Chief Justice, Ontario Court of Justice.
In June of 2021, Infrastructure Ontario and the Ministry of the Attorney General awarded a fixed-price contract to Trans/FORM to design, build and finance the Brampton Courthouse Addition Phase 2 and Toronto Region Bail Centre project. The contract is valued at approximately $82.3 million.
“I am pleased to join our government and private sector partners to celebrate the newly expanded Brampton courthouse. Now featuring six additional floors and eighteen new hearing rooms, the courthouse is ready to accommodate the growing needs of Ontarians in the region. This project is yet another example of the relentless progress IO and our partners continue to make, despite the significant challenges facing our industry around the globe. On behalf of everyone at Infrastructure Ontario, congratulations to the Ministry of the Attorney General and all of our partners on this outstanding achievement,” said Michael Lindsay, president and CEO, Infrastructure Ontario.
Featured image: (Infrastructure Ontario)
