Ontario Construction News staff writer
After several years of construction, the Brampton courthouse expansion project has been completed. 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.
Trans/FORM, a construction team headed by Pomerleau Inc. was awarded the contract to build the six-storey addition.
Ontario Attorney General Doug Downey was in Brampton Jan. 25, to officially announce the opening of the $117-million expansion, as well as renovations to the neighbouring Land Registry Building.
The Brampton courthouse is one of the busiest provincial courthouses in Canada, with about 15,000 criminal cases, 4,100 incoming family cases. 4,000 incoming civil cases and 5,000 small claims cases in 2023.
“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,” Downey said in a news release. “This new accessible space is not only thoughtful in its design but is also a true reflection of positive transformation in our justice system.”
The expansion 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.”
In addition to new hearing and trial spaces, the expansion also includes upgraded security features, including courtrooms designed to accommodate trials involving multiple accused individuals.
“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,” said Peel police Chief Nishan Duraiappah.