Released on November 3, 2006
The Government of Saskatchewan is investing $7 million to help ensure safety and security for the public and court staff by making significant improvements to court houses."Providing suitable court houses with appropriate security is a priority for our government," Justice Minister Frank Quennell said. "The plans for renewing these buildings will offer improved security and space for witnesses, victims, judges, counsel, staff, accused and the public."
Detailed planning and design for the construction of new court houses in La Ronge and Meadow Lake will begin immediately. The planning process will cost approximately $1.5 million.
Permanent airport-style, walk-through metal detectors will be installed in Prince Albert Provincial court and in Saskatchewan's largest court houses, located in Saskatoon and Regina. Other security enhancements will be completed in a number of court houses in the province. These renovations will be completed in 2007, and cost up to $3 million.
Renovations to Yorkton Broadcast Place, which houses Provincial Court, will be completed in 2007, at a cost of $1 million. These renovations will address security and space deficiencies in courtrooms, interview rooms, public waiting areas and the prisoner holding unit.
Planning of renovations for Melfort Provincial Court will begin in 2007-08. As well, detailed design planning of a new court house in Lloydminster will be undertaken in 2008-09. The cost of this work will be about $1 million.
Once detailed planning has been completed, decisions will be made regarding the next phase of the projects.
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For More Information, Contact:
| Andrew Dinsmore Justice Regina Phone: 306-787-8606 Email: adinsmore@justice.gov.sk.ca |