Lunenburg County To Get New Justice Centre

A new justice centre will be built in Lunenburg County. The announcement was made today, April 22, by Justice Minister Jamie Muir and Transportation and Public Works Minister Michael Baker.

"The new regional facility will house many of the key services in our justice system," said Mr. Muir. "We look forward to working with the municipalities to determine the most appropriate site."

The new justice centre, estimated to cost about $10 million, will include four courtrooms, administrative offices and space for related agencies such as the public prosecution service, legal aid, community corrections and others.

"It's great news for the people of the south shore," said Mr. Baker. "The existing courthouse in Bridgewater is more than 100 years old and we're using four separate buildings. A new facility will be welcomed not only by the public but by our staff, the judiciary and public prosecution service -- who deserve to work in a modern, efficient environment."

The province will seek proposals for a potential site that meets all technical and operational requirements. Once a site is chosen, work will begin on design plans. Construction could begin in 2004 and be completed by the fall or winter of 2005.

The Department of Justice completed a study of court facilities in 1997. Port Hawkesbury and Lunenburg County topped the list of locations requiring significant capital investments. Work on the new Port Hawkesbury Justice Centre, announced in April 2001, is now in the design phase, with an expected opening by fall 2004.