BRAMPTON — The Ontario government is improving access to justice services for Peel Region by completing the expansion of the Brampton courthouse, one of the busiest courthouses in the province.
“A larger, more secure and accessible courthouse will address the growing needs of Peel Region and connect more people to critical court services, quickly and efficiently,” said Attorney General Doug Downey. “This new accessible space is not only thoughtful in its design, but is also a true reflection of positive transformation in our justice system.”
Building a modern justice system for the future.
Through this $117 million expansion of the #Brampton courthouse, we are delivering on our plan to expand access to Justice across #Ontario.
Today, the courthouse is larger, more secure and accessible for all justice participants.… pic.twitter.com/UiOHpV9BPz
— Doug Downey (@douglasdowney) January 25, 2024
The government’s $117 million investment in the expansion of the Brampton courthouse includes:
- Six additional floors with 18 additional hearing rooms: 13 courtrooms, three settlement conference spaces and two pre-trial rooms for the Superior Court of Justice and Ontario Court of Justice
- Upgraded security features, including courtrooms built for trials involving multiple accused persons and remote testimony spaces
- Improved accessibility spaces such as barrier-free witness stands and specialized seating for jury members
“Today’s announcement reaffirms our government’s commitment to strengthening the province’s judicial system and keeping communities safe,” said Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure. “We are upgrading and modernizing critical infrastructure to meet the needs of Ontario’s rapidly growing population.”
The courthouse also boasts enhanced technology to support more virtual hearings, and builds on the government’s plan to transform Ontario’s courts by making them more accessible and responsive.
Quick Facts
- In 2022-2023, the Brampton courthouse handled approximately:
- 15,000 incoming criminal cases
- 4,100 incoming family cases
- 4,000 incoming civil cases
- 5,000 small claims cases
- The courthouse expansion increases hearing room capacity by 35 per cent.
- The first phase of the project, completed in 2020, was awarded the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver standard, which recognizes buildings with reduced environmental impacts.
- The Brampton courthouse project also includes a renovation of the neighbouring Land Registry building.
Quotes
“We applaud the government’s investment in expanding and improving the Brampton courthouse, one of Ontario’s busiest courthouses located in one of the fastest growing regions in the province. The additional courtrooms and hearing rooms will allow both the Superior Court of Justice and the Ontario Court of Justice to improve access to justice for people in Peel Region.”
– Geoffrey Morawetz and Sharon Nicklas
Chief Justice, Ontario Superior Court of Justice and Chief Justice, Ontario Court of Justice
“I am pleased to join our government and private sector partners to celebrate the newly expanded Brampton courthouse. Now featuring six additional floors and eighteen new hearing rooms, the courthouse is ready to accommodate the growing needs of Ontarians in the region. This project is yet another example of the relentless progress IO and our partners continue to make, despite the significant challenges facing our industry around the globe. On behalf of everyone at Infrastructure Ontario, congratulations to the Ministry of the Attorney General and all of our partners on this outstanding achievement.”
– Michael Lindsay
President and CEO, Infrastructure Ontario
“I want to thank the Ford Government and our local MPPs for their commitment to enhancing access to justice for our region. This new addition will provide safe, secure and accessible court facilities that meet local demand.”
– Patrick Brown
Mayor of Brampton
“Peel Regional Police continues to work closely with the Ministry of the Attorney General and partners within A. Grenville and William Davis Courthouse. The significant investment and expansion of one of the busiest courthouses in North America, in one of the fastest growing regions in Ontario, will benefit members of our community and will help ensure equitable and timely access to justice.”
– Nishan Duraiappah
Chief of Police, Peel Regional Police
SOURCE Province of Ontario
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