Contract Awarded for Port Hawkesbury Justice Centre

Meridian Construction Inc. of Dartmouth will be the general contractor for the new Port Hawkesbury Justice Centre. Meridian was low bidder among nine firms in a competition for the job.

Work at the site of a former school could begin early in the new year, depending on weather conditions, but will certainly pick up by March 2004.

The $9.5-million project, due to be completed by early spring 2005, will provide modern, efficient space for courtrooms, legal aid offices, the public prosecution service, victims' services, correctional services, probation services and court administrators.

"Not only will this new facility meet the needs of Richmond and Inverness counties for many years to come, but the construction project will generate immediate jobs and other economic benefits throughout the region," said Justice Minister Michael Baker.

"I want to thank the local courthouse users' committee for their valuable suggestions," he added. "We are ensuring that the design and layout will help protect the independence of the judiciary, while meeting the needs of the public and other users."

Project architect is Ojolick Associates Architects/Planners of Sydney. There are about 20 sub-contractors or major suppliers involved in the project.

The court services division of the Department of Justice administers court facilities throughout Nova Scotia. A second justice centre project, to serve Lunenburg County, is undergoing a review for site selection. A recent call for proposals has identified six potential locations.