News release

Justice Centre "Win-Win" on South Shore

Justice

A new $9.75 million courthouse in Bridgewater and a new $2 million provincial building in Lunenburg will ensure that both communities benefit from significant construction activity and long-term local jobs.

Justice Minister Michael Baker, Human Resources Minister Carolyn Bolivar-Getson and Natural Resources Minister Richard Hurlburt announced today, Aug. 20, that a new courthouse will be built on High Street in Bridgewater, next to the existing provincial building. The new four-courtroom facility, which includes offices and administration space for the judiciary, is expected to be completed in 18 to 24 months.

"Not only does this announcement support our commitment to an effective and streamlined justice system," said Mr. Baker. "It also brings significant economic benefits to the municipality of the district of Lunenburg, and the towns of Lunenburg and Bridgewater. I'm also pleased to announce that court will continue to sit in Lunenburg."

"It's a great day for both communities," said Ms. Bolivar-Getson. "Long-term jobs support our tax base and help provide much-needed services. Today's announcement is a real vote of confidence in the future of the South Shore."

About 30 staff in several departments who now work in the Bridgewater provincial building will eventually relocate to a new provincial building in Lunenburg, which will be built on land owned by the town. Most of the staff are with the Department of Natural Resources.

"I'm very pleased that our employees will work from a modern, first-class facility in Lunenburg," said Mr. Hurlburt. "They will continue to provide their top-flight expertise to the people of Nova Scotia from their new location."

The transfer will provide more space for the Department of Community Services and the various justice-related programs that will continue to operate in Bridgewater. These include community corrections, youth alternatives, victim services, legal aid and the public prosecution service.

The new provincial building in Lunenburg will be about 8,000 square feet and will provide office and meeting space for 30 to 35 staff and their public clients. Depending on the timing of site selection and design, construction could begin in eight to 12 months.

"I am pleased that the province is committed to undertake a project of this magnitude to better serve the citizens of the region," said Ernie Bolivar, mayor of Bridgewater. "Not only will the facility benefit the legal community, but it will provide a focal point for the long-term development of the area."

Lunenburg Mayor Laurence Mawhinney says the announcement is very positive for the town of Lunenburg and the South Shore. "The province's commitment to construct a provincial building in Lunenburg is extremely significant. Not only will it add jobs to the local economy, but it also ties in with council's goals for economic growth and new home construction. I view this as a major step forward in provincial-municipal co-operation."

"This announcement signals a new beginning for the efficient delivery of justice and related services for residents of our district," said Elmer Garber, deputy warden, Municipality of the District of Lunenburg. "As well, our residents will be well- served by the new provincial building in Lunenburg. It is indeed a win-win situation for our residents."