Investment Gives New Life to Halifax Law Courts

The province is investing $4.3 million to renovate Nova Scotia's Court of Appeal and Supreme Court building, work that will extend the building's life by decades and save money for taxpayers.

This work starts a four-year, $22.5-million renovation project to upgrade the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and electrical services at The Law Courts on Upper Water Street in Halifax.

Halifax Citadel-Sable Island MLA Leonard Preyra, on behalf of Justice Minister Ross Landry, announced the investment today, Nov. 25, as part of the province's new capital plan to make life better for families.

"The Law Courts building plays a key role in the justice system in Halifax," said Mr. Preyra. "This investment modernizes the building so that it can serve justice and the people of Halifax for decades to come. This investment will also create good jobs during the renovations."

Some staff and judiciary may need to be moved temporarily to another location while the renovation is underway. It is planned that a core group of courtrooms and public service will remain in use and available at The Law Courts during renovation.

"There may be some disruptions while the work is going on, but we intend to minimize any impact," said Mr. Preyra. "Once completed, the renovation will offer significant benefits to staff and the public."

This is the second time in the province's history that government is releasing some details of the capital plan before the spring budget. This sends a clear signal of what the province intends to do in the year ahead and gives the private sector greater opportunity to prepare for upcoming projects, resulting in efficiencies and cost savings for the province.

The province's new capital plan will invest millions of dollars to make life better for families. It will create good jobs, grow the economy, and provide better health care for all Nova Scotians. The capital plan invests in projects that are most important to Nova Scotians like emergency rooms, courts, schools, roads and hospital equipment.

Further details on individual investments will be announced in the months ahead.