June 13, 2008
Kitchener Home to New Waterloo Region Courthouse
Consolidated courthouse will modernize court facilities and improve justice services
The Ontario government has identified a preferred site in downtown Kitchener to be the home of the new Waterloo Region Courthouse.
The courthouse will consolidate services into a single, central location at 59 Weber Street and will provide modern efficient and accessible justice services for residents of the region.
This project is part of the province’s commitment to renewing infrastructure and improving access to justice services. The region will also benefit from:
- The creation of jobs in the construction of the courthouse and associated economic spin-offs once the project is complete.
- The courthouse project will enhance efforts at downtown revitalization along with complimenting the government’s plan for growth in the Greater Golden Horseshoe.
The coming weeks will see Ontario Realty Corporation, in co-operation with the local municipality, conducting the final steps necessary to acquire the preferred site.
QUOTES
“Over the next 25 years, Kitchener will become more diverse, be better served by transit, be a focal point for investment and provide residents and visitors with more choices to live, work and play in the heart of the community,” said John Milloy, MPP Kitchener Centre and Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities. “The Waterloo Region Consolidated Courthouse will contribute to community growth and economic development for the city and the region as a whole.”
“Today's announcement is another significant step in the growth, re-energization and positive momentum we are experiencing in our downtown. By expanding the concentration of the legal community within the east end of the downtown we are providing another anchor upon, which we can continue to transform our downtown,” noted Kitchener Mayor Carl Zehr.
“The population and court caseloads of Waterloo Region will continue to grow in the coming decades,” said Leanna Pendergast, MPP for Kitchener-Conestoga. “Under ReNew Ontario, the province’s five-year $30 billion plus infrastructure renewal plan to build strong and prosperous communities, the McGuinty government is making the new courthouse a reality.”
“Consolidating court services into a single location will provide a modern, effective and accessible courthouse for the Waterloo Region,” said Attorney General Chris Bentley. “I am pleased we are moving forward on this important commitment.”
QUICK FACTS
- The preferred 3.3-acre site is bounded by Frederick, Weber, Scott and Duke streets.
- The courthouse construction project is part of ReNew Ontario, the government’s five-year plan to invest more than $30 billion in Ontario’s infrastructure.
LEARN MORE
Find out how ReNew Ontario is strengthening communities and creating prosperity.
Learn more about the province’s Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe
Learn about the Justice on Target strategy to reduce court appearances and delays.
Media Contacts:
- Amy Tang, Minister’s Office, 416-325-4048
- Anne Dunderdale, Media Relations Co-ordinator, 416-325-1810
