New Court Facility to Be Constructed

Port Hawkesbury’s court facility is being replaced.

Justice Minister Michael Baker unveiled plans for the construction of a justice centre for Inverness County today. He was joined by Tourism and Culture Minister Rodney MacDonald.

"We have known for some time the present facility is not adequate," said Mr. Baker. "We are delighted that we are able to move forward with this important project, which will have an extremely positive impact on the community."

The three-courtroom facility is expected to be about 3,500 square metres (39,000 square feet). It will also house offices for the Public Prosecution Service, Legal Aid, Victims’ Services, Corrections and Court Administration. The facility will also provide interview rooms for use by defence counsel. The building will be designed in a manner which will preserve the independence of the judiciary.

The project will cost about $6.5 million. It will be fully funded by the province, with the capital costs amortized over several years.

The Inverness and Richmond areas are expected to experience sustained growth over the next 15 years--mainly because of offshore exploration and development. The present population and case load dictate the need for a three-courtroom facility, along with the satellites located in Port Hood and Arichat, to appropriately handle projected demand in the medium and long terms.

A local Courthouse Users Committee--composed of members of the judiciary, the local bar, laypersons and justice officials--has been involved in developing a concept for the new facility.

Detailed planning and site selection will take place over the next several months. The new facility is expected to be operational by the summer of 2003.

"This is good news, not only for the legal community, but for the entire Inverness/Richmond area," said Mr. Baker.