Port Hawkesbury Justice Centre Opens

Citizens from Inverness, Richmond, Antigonish and Guysborough counties got a look today, Aug. 23, at the new, $12-million justice centre in Port Hawkesbury, officially opened by Justice Minister Michael Baker.

"This is the first justice centre opened by the provincial government," Mr. Baker said at a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house. "We'll be able to transfer best practices from here to the new justice projects underway in Bridgewater and Yarmouth. I am very proud that Nova Scotians will be served by such a well-designed, functional building that will offer many important justice-related services and programs. A special thanks goes to members of the local courthouse users' advisory committee for their guidance and support."

The 45,500-square-foot justice centre has three courtrooms, five holding cells, rooms where lawyers can meet privately with clients, offices for court administration staff, the judiciary and support staff, a law library and offices for legal aid, the public prosecution service, sheriff services and victim services.

"The new justice centre is a state-of-the-art addition to the town of Port Hawkesbury," said Port Hawkesbury Mayor Billy Joe MacLean, who joined Mr. Baker, Chief Justice Michael MacDonald and Tourism Culture and Heritage Minister Rodney MacDonald, at the opening. "It will provide privacy and all the amenities for clients, lawyers, police and the public. It is a service that fulfills needs identified many years ago."

Staff will begin moving to the justice centre in September.

The building was designed by Ojolick Associates - Architects/Planners of Sydney.