News Release

For Immediate Release
July 24, 2009

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McGuinty Government Enhancing Access To Justice

NEWS

The residents of Cornwall now have improved access to justice services with the completion of a major renovation and expansion of their courthouse.

Attorney General Chris Bentley, and MPP for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry Jim Brownell, along with local officials, marked the completion of the renovation at a courthouse ceremony today.

The project included:

• A 19,500 square foot, one-storey addition which houses two new criminal courtrooms, six interview rooms, three jury deliberation rooms, additional holding cells, new Crown attorney's offices, a police court bureau, a relocated drop off point for in-custody individuals and a law association library.
• Renovations to the interior of the existing building, including new judicial offices, new conference settlement rooms, relocation and expansion of the Family Law Information Centre as well as improvements to the administration and support areas.
• Enhanced security features, such as a separate in-custody holding area with secure corridors to the courtrooms and a new central, police operated monitoring system.
• Accessibility features such as barrier-free washrooms and an accessible witness box.

QUOTES

"Cornwall now has greater access to justice through an improved and modernized courthouse designed with Ontarians in mind. It provides secure, accessible justice services that will serve the area well into the future."
- Chris Bentley, Attorney General

"The completion of this major renovation project is a lasting investment in our community. Now, the courthouse has the capacity to deliver the highest quality of justice services to area residents."
- Jim Brownell, MPP Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry

"The renovated and expanded courthouse will improve the administration of justice by making court operations more effective."
- Eldon Horner, President, Stormont Dundas & Glengarry Law Association

QUICK FACT

• Ontario invested $15 million in the courthouse renovations and expansion.
• The courthouse was built in 1998 and consolidated all local court services into one location.

LEARN MORE

Learn more about Ontario's courts.

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Contacts:

Erin Moroz
Minister's Office, 416-326-1785
Brendan Crawley
Communications Branch, 416-326-2210