Task Force on Courthouse Facilities Survey Report ...PORT:PORT:.....1616 Strategic Communications Inc. Law Society of Upper Canada Toronto and Vancouver Courthouse Task Force Survey

Task Force on Courthouse FacilitiesSurvey Report

HALTON COUNTY

Group 3

Strategic Communications Inc.Strategic Communications Inc.Strategic Communications Inc.Strategic Communications Inc.

Strategic Communications Inc. Law Society of Upper CanadaToronto and Vancouver Courthouse Task Force Survey Report

Halton County

TABLE OF CONTENTS

HALTONCOUNTYHALTONCOUNTYHALTONCOUNTYHALTONCOUNTY SUMMAR SUMMAR SUMMAR SUMMARY:Y:Y:Y: ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 2222

SUPERIOR COURT (MILTON)SUPERIOR COURT (MILTON)SUPERIOR COURT (MILTON)SUPERIOR COURT (MILTON) SUMMARY:SUMMARY:SUMMARY:SUMMARY: ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 3333

REPORT:REPORT:REPORT:REPORT: ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................ 4444

ONTARIO COURT (BURLINGTON )ONTARIO COURT (BURLINGTON )ONTARIO COURT (BURLINGTON )ONTARIO COURT (BURLINGTON ) SUMMARY:SUMMARY:SUMMARY:SUMMARY: .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10101010

REPORT:REPORT:REPORT:REPORT: .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11111111

ONTARIO COURT (OAKVILLE)ONTARIO COURT (OAKVILLE)ONTARIO COURT (OAKVILLE)ONTARIO COURT (OAKVILLE) SUMMARY:SUMMARY:SUMMARY:SUMMARY: .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 15151515

REREREREPORT:PORT:PORT:PORT: .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 16161616


Halton County

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County or District: Halton

Superior Court of Justice and Ontario Court of Justice 491 Steeles Avenue East,Milton, Ontario

Reported on by: Betty Dykstra

Collaborating Parties: Madam Justice Linda WaltersBrian O’MarraJanette MitchellSgt. Dan Ghellar

Ontario Court of Justice2021 Plains Road East,Burlington, Ontario


Collaborating Parties: Justice Douglas LatmerBrian O’MarraJanette MitchellSgt. Dan Ghellar

Ontario Court of Justice1225 Trafalgar Road,Oakville, Ontario


Collaborating Parties: Justice Richard LeDressayBrian O’MarraJanette MitchellSgt. Dan Ghellar


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County or District: Halton

Summary:Summary:Summary:Summary:

Three completed survey questionnaires were received from Halton County, providingdetails on one Superior/Ontario courthouse (Milton) and two Ontario courthouses(Burlington and Oakville).

Halton County is approximately 232,000 square acres. The sites of the courthouses aredescribed as “poorly” suited to the needs of the local population. A practical solutionwould be “one building consolidating three courthouse, centrally located.” Much furtherprofessional study is required to provide details on the specifics on the proposed facility.

“Encroachment on the use of the facility for the administration of justice by othergovernment or private users” is not perceived as a problem in the Superior Court or in thetwo Ontario Courts.

Superior/Ontario Court (Milton)Superior/Ontario Court (Milton)Superior/Ontario Court (Milton)Superior/Ontario Court (Milton)

Problems are described as arising from poor courtroom facilities and insufficient securityin the building. There is a need for additional office space for courthouse users and themaintenance and upkeep of the building is described as “poor.” There are public accessproblems associated with this facility. It is not easily accessible by the disabled and notaccessible by public transit.

Ontario Court (Burlington)Ontario Court (Burlington)Ontario Court (Burlington)Ontario Court (Burlington)

Courtroom facilities are generally described as “adequate” to meet the current needs andcan accommodate growth and demand over the next five years.

The only known issue related to this facility is that the roof is in need of repair due toleaks. There is an expectation that this problem will be resolved in the next three years.

Ontario Court (Oakville)Ontario Court (Oakville)Ontario Court (Oakville)Ontario Court (Oakville)

In general, facilities are inadequate to meet current needs. There are security issues withrespect to the holding cells and the courtrooms. The main courtroom is located in thetown council chamber. The design of the room does not lend itself well to a courtroom.

With respect to future needs, it is suggested a “new, centrally located facility with propersecurity for all persons required to attend at the courthouse” would be preferred.


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County or District: HaltonLevel of Court Superior Court of Justice, Ontario Court of

Justice Courthouse Address: 491 Steeles Avenue East, Milton


The courthouse is in good general repair. Interior facilities are in poor repair and arepoorly maintained.

The existing courthouse facility is inadequate to meet current and future needs. Withrespect to offices and facilities, a number of courtrooms are described as eitherinadequate or poor, particularly Family Courtroom Number Seven. The deficiencies inthis courtroom include “ a witness box too close to the presiding judge, the dais haswindows behind it and should be moved to an inside wall, no prisoner box for youngoffenders, courtroom is not friendly to the disabled, paging system is inadequate andadjoining chambers open directly into public hallway/waiting area.”

Another specific problem with respect to the facility relates to insufficient security in thebuilding. There is only one police officer regularly posted in the building and there havebeen ineffectively handled “security-related incidents” during the past three years. Dueto the distance of the judges’ chambers from the courts, judges have on occasionencountered accused persons in the hallways. The overall level of security for courthousestaff, Crown officers, judges and lawyers is described as “poor.”


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Report:Report:Report:Report:

1.1.1.1. Use of this Courthouse Use of this Courthouse Use of this Courthouse Use of this Courthouse The courthouse is used for criminal, family, civil matters and small claims. User statisticsfor the County’s Ontario Court (provincial division) in 96/97 were 5,933 court hours,6,070 for 97/98, and 6,098 for 98/99.

2.2.2.2. External Features and RepairsExternal Features and RepairsExternal Features and RepairsExternal Features and RepairsThe courthouse is not a historical/heritage building and is in good repair. Internal aspectsof the building used by the public (excluding courtrooms and washroom facilities) are inpoor repair and housekeeping is likewise poor.

3.3.3.3. Ownership and ControlOwnership and ControlOwnership and ControlOwnership and ControlThe building is owned by the Ontario Realty Corporation and operated by ProFac. Thefacility is not subject to a lease and is approximately 44,360 square feet. No substantialrenovations have occurred in the last 10 years. No renovations are underway or plannedfor the next two years.

There is a newly formed user committee for the facility. The local law association is amember. The user committee has been somewhat effective in addressing the courthouse’sneeds. There are reasonable relations between ProFac and the lawyer users of thefacility. It was noted that, previously, there were “bad” relations with the Ontario RealtyCorporation.

There are no issues involving encroachment on the use of the facility for theadministration of justice.

The top three issues related to the facility were described as follows: • Almost non-existent security in the building;• The lack of office space for users and the distance of the judges’ chambers

from the courts;• The lack of maintenance and upkeep in the building.

There is no expectation on the part of the respondent that any of these issues will beresolved in the next three years.

4.4.4.4. CourtroomsCourtroomsCourtroomsCourtroomsFive Superior Courtrooms and three Ontario Courtrooms are available in the facility.Both levels of courts occasionally share one court. Courtroom facilities are insufficient toaccommodate reasonable growth and demand.

Superior Courtroom Number Three is adequate only with respect to the bench, counseltable, clerk/reporter facilities, jury box, witness box, prisoner box, electronic security


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alarm for the judges, public seating capacity and phones for the clerks. The private exitfor the judges, retiring room for the judges, private exit for the accused in custody,general appearance and state of repair, cleanliness, and air-conditioning are all describedas poor. The poor acoustics are such that witnesses often cannot be heard. Aspects of thefacility that are described as “non-existent” include video conferencing facilities andother technology conducive to child witnesses and access for the disabled.

Superior Courtroom Number Four is described as adequate, except for a poor private exitfor the judges, retiring room for the judges, general appearance and state of repair,cleanliness and air-conditioning. The poor acoustics mean witnesses are often not beingheard. “Non-existent” amenities include video conferencing facilities and othertechnology conducive to child witnesses and access for the disabled.

Superior Courtroom Number Five is adequate only with respect to the bench, counseltable, clerk/reporter facilities, private exit for the judges, retiring room for the judges,electronic security alarm for the judges and acoustics. The witness box, prisoner box,public seating capacity, phones for the clerks, general appearance and state of repair,cleanliness and air-conditioning are described as poor. “Non-existent” amenities includea jury box, private exit for the accused in custody, video conferencing facilities and othertechnology conducive to child witnesses and access for the disabled.

Superior Courtroom Number Six is adequate only with respect to the private exit for thejudges, retiring room for the judges, electronic security alarm for the judges, phones forthe clerks and acoustics. The bench, counsel table, clerk/reporter facilities, witness box,public seating capacity, general appearance and state of repair, cleanliness, and air-conditioning are described as poor. The poor acoustics are such that witnesses oftencannot be heard. Aspects of the facility that are described as “non-existent” include a jurybox, private exit for the judges, private exit for the accused in custody, videoconferencing facilities and other technology and access for the disabled.

Superior Courtroom Number Eight is generally described as adequate, except for a poorwitness box. The prisoner box is described as poor due to the lack of a glass enclosure,which is very intimidating for victims. Poor acoustics mean witnesses often cannot beheard. “Non-existent” amenities include a private exit for the accused in custody andvideo conferencing facilities and other technology conducive to child witnesses.

Motion Room “A” is described as poor. Aspects of the facility that are described as “non-existent” are a jury box, witness box, prisoner box, private exit for the judges, retiringroom for the judges, video conferencing and access for the disabled. The small size of theroom is “very intimidating for litigants involved in family disputes who are frequentlyalso victims of domestic violence.”

Ontario Courtroom Number One is described as adequate. The witness box and prisonerbox are described as poor. “Witnesses are required to walk within feet of prisoner box.


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Very intimidating to give full and candid testimony. Security issue to witnesses andcounsel who walk by.” The private exit for the accused in custody is also described aspoor. Poor acoustics mean the witness often cannot be heard. “Non-existent” amenitiesinclude a jury box, video conferencing facilities and other technology conducive to childwitnesses.

Ontario Courtroom Number Two in generally described as adequate except for a poorwitness box and prisoner box with the same problem reported for Ontario CourtroomNumber Two. The private exit for the accused in custody is poor as are the acoustics,which means witnesses often cannot be heard. “Non-existent” amenities include a jurybox, video conferencing facilities and other technology conducive to child witnesses.

Ontario Courtroom Number Seven is adequate only with respect to the retiring room forthe judges and acoustics. The bench, counsel table, clerk/reporter facilities, witness box,private exit for the judges, public seating capacity, phones for the clerks, generalappearance and state of repair, cleanliness and air-conditioning are described as poor.Aspects of the facility that are described as “non-existent” include a prisoner box, privateexit for the accused in custody, electronic security alarm for the judges, videoconferencing facilities and other technology conducive to child witnesses and access forthe disabled.

5.5.5.5. Lawyer-Client Meeting RoomsLawyer-Client Meeting RoomsLawyer-Client Meeting RoomsLawyer-Client Meeting RoomsThere are a few lawyer-client meeting rooms in the courthouse, dependent on if roomshave been “given” to counsel for use during lengthy trials. The number of rooms isinadequate to meet demand. The rooms are proximate to the courts and providereasonable privacy. They are not adequately furnished.

6.6.6.6. Jury FacilitiesJury FacilitiesJury FacilitiesJury FacilitiesThere is a jury room for each court equipped for jury trials. Jury rooms are of adequatesize, but lack a private entrance to the courtroom and are inadequately furnished. Juryrooms do have washroom facilities.

The jury use facilities in common with other users of the courthouse. This presentsproblems during jury selection. Panel members mix with members of the public waitingin the common areas of the courthouse, including accused persons not in custody.

7.7.7.7. Public/Witness AccommodationPublic/Witness AccommodationPublic/Witness AccommodationPublic/Witness AccommodationSeating for the public and witnesses outside the courtrooms is insufficient. Persons incustody are required to pass through a public area to access courtrooms. There arerefreshment facilities in a cafeteria setting in the courthouse. Men’s and women’swashroom facilities are poor; both maintained and cleaned poorly.

There are public access problems associated with this facility. Users cannot access theentire building and it is very difficult to maneuver around the building. There is only one


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handicapped entrance and disabled persons “must almost do a maze test” to reach certainareas of the facility. The courthouse is not accessible by public transit although adequatefree parking is available within a reasonable distance. There is no separate parking forjudiciary.

There are health and safety issues associated with this facility. One safety issue isregarding broken pavement near the entranceways to the building. Another is aircirculation is difficult to control due to an addition to the original building.

8.8.8.8. Accessibility for Disabled PAccessibility for Disabled PAccessibility for Disabled PAccessibility for Disabled PersonsersonsersonsersonsDisabled access is generally described as poor, although disabled access to the eatingfacilities is adequate. The building has two functioning elevators.

9.9.9.9. Holding CellsHolding CellsHolding CellsHolding CellsThere are four individual holding cells and two bullpens. There are separate facilities formen and women, segregated facilities for holding youth in custody, and washroomfacilities. The holding cells are in an adequate state of repair.

There is a security issue with respect to these holding facilities. There is no private accessfrom the holding cells to all but one courtroom. There are adequate conference facilitiesfor private, secure solicitor-client meetings.

10.10.10.10. Lawyers’ FacilitiesLawyers’ FacilitiesLawyers’ FacilitiesLawyers’ FacilitiesThere is a lounge or similar space for the exclusive use of lawyers. There are privatephone facilities for lawyers.

Separate gowning facilities are available for men and women. The men’s facility,described as “generally inadequate,” is in an inadequate state of general maintenance andhas both washroom and locker facilities. The women’s facility, also described as“generally inadequate,” is in an inadequate state of general maintenance and has bothwashroom and locker facilities.

11.11.11.11. Judges’ Chambers/FacilitiesJudges’ Chambers/FacilitiesJudges’ Chambers/FacilitiesJudges’ Chambers/FacilitiesThe courthouse has eight judges’ chambers, which is adequate for the needs of theSuperior Court judges but inadequate for the Ontario Court judges. The number ofjudges’ chambers is insufficient to accommodate reasonably foreseeable growth and areinadequately furnished. The judges’ chambers do not provide for secure access to andegress from each court.

12.12.12.12. Crown Attorney OfficesCrown Attorney OfficesCrown Attorney OfficesCrown Attorney OfficesThe building houses offices for the Crown attorneys, which accommodate the currentneed. There are currently plans that will be implemented within the next three years tofurther accommodate existing needs. The Crown facilities do not have a separate officesecurity system.


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13a. Other Administrative Space/Use: Court Administration13a. Other Administrative Space/Use: Court Administration13a. Other Administrative Space/Use: Court Administration13a. Other Administrative Space/Use: Court AdministrationThe courthouse contains administration offices, which are adequate to meet existingneeds.

13b. Other Administrative Space/Use: Court Reporters’ Offices13b. Other Administrative Space/Use: Court Reporters’ Offices13b. Other Administrative Space/Use: Court Reporters’ Offices13b. Other Administrative Space/Use: Court Reporters’ OfficesThere are court reporter offices, which are adequate to meet existing needs.

13c. Other Administrative Space/Use: Duty Counsel13c. Other Administrative Space/Use: Duty Counsel13c. Other Administrative Space/Use: Duty Counsel13c. Other Administrative Space/Use: Duty CounselThere are duty counsel facilities consisting of three small offices, which is inadequate forexisting needs. “Rooms larger than closet space” are required. There is no Family LawInformation Centre.

13d. Other Administrative Space/Use: Legal Aid13d. Other Administrative Space/Use: Legal Aid13d. Other Administrative Space/Use: Legal Aid13d. Other Administrative Space/Use: Legal AidA Legal Aid office is required and does not exist in the building.

13e. Other Administrative Space/Use: Victim/Witness Assistance Program13e. Other Administrative Space/Use: Victim/Witness Assistance Program13e. Other Administrative Space/Use: Victim/Witness Assistance Program13e. Other Administrative Space/Use: Victim/Witness Assistance ProgramThere is a Victim/Witness Assistance Program (VWAP) office, which is inadequate tomeet existing needs. Staff at this site are required to cover the two other courthouses inHalton County. There is no witness room in the facility. The courthouse can currentlyaccommodate integrated justice facilities.

There is a Probation office and a Justice of the Peace office. Currently, their requirementsare being met but the space is extremely small with improper ventilation.

13f. Other Administrative Space/Use: Media13f. Other Administrative Space/Use: Media13f. Other Administrative Space/Use: Media13f. Other Administrative Space/Use: MediaThere is no media room. Information on what is required was not reported.

14.14.14.14. LibrariesLibrariesLibrariesLibrariesThe courthouse has a library facility, which is needed and is used by members of the Bar,Crown attorneys and the Bench. A librarian works on-site and computer facilities areavailable. The library is inadequate in both size and meeting existing needs. The space isinsufficient and cannot accommodate the demand due to growth.

The County and District Law Association and the Law Society of Upper Canada jointlyadminister the library. While there are no current issues with respect to utilization ofspace by the library, it was noted that there is no security.

15.15.15.15. Other Security MattersOther Security MattersOther Security MattersOther Security MattersThe overall level of security is described as “poor” for courthouse staff, Crown officers,judges and lawyers. Security is adequate for the general public and for persons undercustody.


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While court security is sufficient for members of the Bar, courthouse staff and the public,overall there are insufficient court security officers and police on duty.

There is no metal detector and one police officer is regularly posted at the building. Thebuilding does have a functioning burglar alarm system, but the courthouse is not serviced24-hours a day by security officers. Security systems and resources have not diminishedduring the past three years.

There have been ineffectively handled “security- related incidents” during the past threeyears. Requests for escorts have not been responded to for both witnesses and lawyers.Judges have encountered accused persons in the hallways and there have been severalfamily disputes in public areas.

16.16.16.16. Prospects and Future NeedsProspects and Future NeedsProspects and Future NeedsProspects and Future NeedsAs indicated (Section 7), persons in custody are required to pass through a public area toaccess courtrooms. The judiciary are in need of a private entrance to access chambers orcourts without passing through a public area. They also require secured parking.

There is a need for police officers’ attendance in courts, particularly during family lawmatters. There are no current plans or commitments and there is no possibility that theserequirements will be met within the next five years.

There is a need to relocate and consolidate all three courthouses in Halton County to anew facility that is centrally located. Information on the likelihood of these requirementsbeing met, details of any current plans and commitments and an estimate of costsinvolved were not reported.


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District or County: HaltonLevel of Court: Ontario CourtCourthouse Address: 2021 Plains Road East, Burlington

SummarySummarySummarySummary:

The courthouse building is in a good state of repair and interior facilities are in adequaterepair.

The only know issue related to this facility is the roof is in need of repair due to leaks.There is an expectation that this problem will be resolved in the next three years.

With respect to future needs, the respondent recommends “one consolidated building forthe courts in Milton, Burlington and Oakville. Population increasing by leaps and bounds.Everything will be inadequate in five years.”


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1.1.1.1. Use of this Courthouse Use of this Courthouse Use of this Courthouse Use of this Courthouse The courthouse is used for criminal, family law matters and small claims. User statisticsare attached.

2.2.2.2. External Features and RepairsExternal Features and RepairsExternal Features and RepairsExternal Features and RepairsThe courthouse building is not a historical/heritage building and is in a good state ofrepair, with the exception of a leaking roof during rainstorms. Internal aspects of thebuilding used by the public (excluding courtrooms and washrooms) are in adequate repairand housekeeping is likewise adequate.

3.3.3.3. Ownership and ControlOwnership and ControlOwnership and ControlOwnership and ControlThe building is privately owned and is subject to a lease, which expires in August 2001.Lease payments are $412,000 a year for 16,317 square feet.

The building has not been renovated in the last 10 years. No renovations are underway orplanned for the next two years. Currently, there is no user committee for the facility.

There are no issues involving encroachment on the use of the facility for theadministration of justice.

The only known issue related to the facility is repairs are needed for the roof. There is anexpectation that this issue will be resolved in the next three years.

4.4.4.4. CourtroomsCourtroomsCourtroomsCourtroomsThere are four Ontario Courtrooms in the facility, one of which is used by both levels ofcourts. Courtroom facilities are adequate to accommodate foreseeable growth anddemand over the next five years.

Ontario Courtroom Number One is generally described as adequate, with the exception ofa poor witness box and prisoner box. The witness box is within feet of the prisoner box. Itis very intimidating, as well as a security issue. Prisoners could grab witnesses on theirway to the witness box. Acoustics are also described as poor and it is very difficult tohear witnesses. “Non-existent” amenities include video-conferencing facilities and othertechnology conducive to child witnesses.

Ontario Courtroom Number Two is described as adequate, with the exception of pooracoustics. Timid witnesses cannot be heard and an amplifying system is needed. “Non-existent” amenities include video-conferencing facilities and other technology conduciveto child witnesses.


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Ontario Courtroom Number Three is described as adequate. The witness box, prisonerbox and acoustics are described as poor with the same security issue reported for OntarioCourtroom Number One. “Non-existent” amenities included video-conferencing facilitiesand other technology conducive to child witnesses.

Information on Ontario Courtroom Number Four was not reported.

5.5.5.5. Lawyer-Client MLawyer-Client MLawyer-Client MLawyer-Client Meeting Roomseeting Roomseeting Roomseeting RoomsThere are three lawyer-client meeting rooms in the courthouse, which is generallyadequate to meet reasonable demand. The rooms are reasonably proximate to the courts,provide reasonable privacy and are reasonably furnished.

6.6.6.6. Jury FacilitJury FacilitJury FacilitJury FacilitiesiesiesiesNot applicable.

7.7.7.7. Public/Witness AccommodationPublic/Witness AccommodationPublic/Witness AccommodationPublic/Witness AccommodationSeating for the public and witnesses outside the courtrooms is sometimes sufficient.There is no secure or private waiting area for victims or other vulnerable witnesses.Persons in custody are not required to pass through a public area to access courtrooms.

Men’s and women’s washroom facilities are adequately maintained and cleaned. Thereare no refreshment or eating facilities available to the public.

There are no public access problems associated with this facility. Court staff such ascrowns or VWAP cannot remain in the building beyond regular business hours due to thebuilding alarm system. This makes it difficult to use the facilities for after-hoursmeetings. The courthouse is accessible by public transit. Adequate free parking isavailable within a reasonable distance.

There are no health and safety issues associated with the facility.

8.8.8.8. Accessibility for Disabled PersonsAccessibility for Disabled PersonsAccessibility for Disabled PersonsAccessibility for Disabled PersonsDisabled access is generally described as adequate, with the exception of poor access tothe library. The building is not a multiple level facility and does not have a functioningelevator.

9. 9. 9. 9. Holding CellsHolding CellsHolding CellsHolding CellsThere are five holding cells in the courthouse, all in an adequate state of repair, withseparate facilities for men and women. There are no segregated cells and no segregatedholding facilities for youth in custody. Washroom facilities are available in only one ofthe cells.


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There are adequate facilities for private secure solicitor-client conferences. There is directprivate access from the holding facilities to all but one courtroom. There are no securityissues with respect to the holding facilities.

10.10.10.10. Lawyers’ FacilitiesLawyers’ FacilitiesLawyers’ FacilitiesLawyers’ FacilitiesThere is no lounge or similar space for the exclusive use of lawyers, no private phonefacilities for lawyers, and no gowning facilities for men and women.

11.11.11.11. Judges’ Chambers/FacilitiesJudges’ Chambers/FacilitiesJudges’ Chambers/FacilitiesJudges’ Chambers/FacilitiesThe courthouse has four judges’ chamber, which are adequately furnished and sufficientto accommodate reasonable foreseeable growth in use by Ontario Court judges and otherjudicial officers. The judges’ chambers do provide for secure access to and egress fromeach court.

12. 12. 12. 12. Crown Attorney OfficesCrown Attorney OfficesCrown Attorney OfficesCrown Attorney OfficesThere are adequate office facilities for Crown attorneys. There is no separate officesecurity system for Crown attorneys.

13. 13. 13. 13. Other Administrative Space/UseOther Administrative Space/UseOther Administrative Space/UseOther Administrative Space/UseThe building houses court administration offices and officials. The facilities are adequatefor existing needs. Court reporters’ offices in this courthouse are inadequate for existingneeds. Offices are required for four court reporters.

The courthouse does not have a Legal Aid office, a Victim/Witness Assistance Program(VWAP) or a media room. The facility does have an extremely small witness room, butbetter facilities are required in a secure area. The courthouse can currently accommodateintegrated justice facility requirements. A Legal Aid office is not necessary. The needs ofVWAP are “serviced through the Milton Courthouse on an ad-hoc basis.” An office isrequired in this building but there is no space available at the current time.

Duty counsel facilities include three interviews rooms. More space is needed to meetexisting needs. There is no Family Law Information Centre.

14.14.14.14. LibrariesLibrariesLibrariesLibrariesThere is a library in the courthouse. Library facilities are required by members of the Bar,Crown attorneys, as well as by the Bench. Currently, the library is only available to theBench. The local law association does not administer the library.

15.15.15.15. Other Security MattersOther Security MattersOther Security MattersOther Security MattersThe overall level of security is poor for staff, Crown officers, judges, lawyers and thegeneral public and inadequate for persons under custody. There appears to be sufficientcourt security for the judiciary and court staff. Information regarding court security formembers of the Bar, Crown attorneys and the police was not reported.


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There is no metal detector. The courthouse does have a functioning burglar alarm system,but does not have 24-hour security officer service. Two police officers are regularlyposted at the building. There are insufficient court security officers and police on dutydue to a lack of office space.

Security systems and resources have not diminished during the past three years. Noineffectively handled “security- related incidents” have occurred during the past threeyears.

16. 16. 16. 16. Prospects and Future NeedsProspects and Future NeedsProspects and Future NeedsProspects and Future NeedsRequirements to meet anticipated future needs in this facility over the next 10 years aredescribed as follows:• “Population increasing by leaps and bounds. Everything will be inadequate in five

years.”• “One consolidated building for courts in Milton, Burlington and Oakville.”

It is very unlikely that these needs will be met within the next five years. There are noplans or commitments to address these problems.

With respect to possible solutions, “one central facility such as Peel or Hamilton.Population will exceed half a million in the next five years.”


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County or District: HaltonLevel of Court: Ontario CourtCourthouse Address: 1225 Trafalgar Road, Oakville


The courthouse is in good repair. Interior facilities are in adequate repair and adequatelymaintained.

In general, facilities are inadequate to meet current needs. There are security issues withrespect to the holding cells. There is only one holding facility in a poor state of repair.Prisoners cannot be separated or segregated and there is no direct private access from theholding facility to the one of the courtrooms.

The recommendation is an amalgamation of the three courthouses to meet the futureneeds of Halton County.


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1.1.1.1. Use of this Courthouse Use of this Courthouse Use of this Courthouse Use of this Courthouse The courthouse is used for criminal, family law matters and small claims. There were nouser statistics reported.

2.2.2.2. External Features and RepairsExternal Features and RepairsExternal Features and RepairsExternal Features and RepairsThe courthouse building is in a good state of repair. Internal aspects of the building usedby the public (excepting courtrooms and washrooms) are in adequate repair andhousekeeping is likewise adequate.

3. 3. 3. 3. Ownership and ControlOwnership and ControlOwnership and ControlOwnership and ControlThe building is owned and operated by the Town of Oakville. It is subject to a lease thatexpires in December 2001. Lease payments are $115,879 a year for 9,455 square feet.

The building has not been renovated in any substantial way during the last 10 years, andthere are no plans to renovate within next two years. There is no user committee for thefacility.

Information on issues regarding potential encroachment on the facility for theadministration of justice was not reported.

The top three issues related to the facility were described as follows: • Security;• Isolated court location;• Main courtroom is located in town council chamber.

There is no expectation that any of these issues will be resolved in the next three years.

4.4.4.4. CourtroomsCourtroomsCourtroomsCourtroomsThere are two Ontario Courtrooms in the facility, which is inadequate to accommodateforeseeable growth and demand.

Ontario Courtroom Number One is adequate only with respect to a private exit for theaccused in custody, electronic alarm for the judges, public seating capacity, generalappearance and state of repair, cleanliness and air-conditioning. The bench, counsel table,clerk/reporter facility, witness box, prisoner box, private exit for the judges, retiring roomfor the judges and the acoustics are described as poor. Aspects of the facility that aredescribed as “non-existent” include a jury box, phones for the clerks, and video-conferencing facilities. This courtroom doubles as council chambers for the Town ofOakville. The very large room was not designed for use as a courtroom and echoes. Thecourtroom is “not child friendly.”


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Ontario Courtroom Number Two is generally described as poor. The electronic securityalarm for the judges, cleanliness, access for the disabled and air-conditioning weredescribed as adequate. “Non-existent” facilities include a jury box, prisoner box, privateexit for the accused in custody, phones for the clerks and video-conferencing facilitiesconducive to child witnesses. “This courtroom is very small. There is no designated areafor the accused. Victims/witnesses have to walk right past the accused up the middle ofthe courtroom within inches of the accused to make their way to the witness stand. This isa security issue.”

5.5.5.5. Lawyer-Client Meeting RoomsLawyer-Client Meeting RoomsLawyer-Client Meeting RoomsLawyer-Client Meeting RoomsThere are three lawyer-client meeting rooms in the courthouse that are often locked andinaccessible. This is inadequate to meet reasonable demand. They are proximate to thecourts, provide reasonable privacy and are reasonably furnished. The P.A. system isinaudible in the lawyer-client meeting rooms.

6.6.6.6. Jury FacilitiesJury FacilitiesJury FacilitiesJury FacilitiesNot applicable

7.7.7.7. Public/Witness Public/Witness Public/Witness Public/Witness AccommodationAccommodationAccommodationAccommodationSeating for the public and witnesses outside the courtrooms is sufficient. Persons incustody are required to pass through a public area to access courtrooms. A secure ordesignated private waiting area for victims and other vulnerable witnesses is needed.

Men’s and women’s washroom facilities are adequately maintained and cleaned.There are no public access problems associated with this facility but the parking lot is a“long way” from the building. The courthouse is accessible by public transit. Adequatefree parking is available within a reasonable distance. There are adequate refreshment oreating facilities in a cafeteria setting available to the public and no library in thecourthouse.

There are no health and safety issues associated with the facility, although ventilation canbe problematic.

8.8.8.8. Access for the DisabledAccess for the DisabledAccess for the DisabledAccess for the DisabledDisabled access to the courthouse is generally adequate, with exception for thecourthouse entry, which was described as poor. The building is a multi-level facility witha functioning elevator.

9.9.9.9. Holding CellsHolding CellsHolding CellsHolding CellsThere is one holding cell in the courthouse in a poor state of repair. There are no separatefacilities for men and women, segregated cells or segregated holding facilities for youth.Information on washroom facilities was not reported.


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There are security issues with respect to the holding facilities. Prisoners cannot beseparated or segregated.

There is direct private access from the holding facilities to only one courtroom. There areno private secure solicitor-client conference facilities.

10.10.10.10. Lawyers’ FacilitiesLawyers’ FacilitiesLawyers’ FacilitiesLawyers’ FacilitiesThere is no lounge or similar space for the exclusive use of lawyers, no private phonefacilities for lawyers, and no gowning facilities for men and women.

11.11.11.11. Judges’ Chambers/FacilitiesJudges’ Chambers/FacilitiesJudges’ Chambers/FacilitiesJudges’ Chambers/FacilitiesThe courthouse has two judges’ chambers, one of which is adequately furnished. This isinsufficient to accommodate reasonable foreseeable growth in use by Ontario Courtjudges. The judges’ chambers do not provide for secure access to and egress from thecourt.

12.12.12.12. Crown Attorney OfficesCrown Attorney OfficesCrown Attorney OfficesCrown Attorney OfficesThe building houses Crown attorney office facilities that do not accommodate existingneeds. There are currently no plans that will be implemented within the next three yearsto accommodate existing needs. There is no separate office security system for Crownattorneys.

13.13.13.13. Other Administrative Space/UseOther Administrative Space/UseOther Administrative Space/UseOther Administrative Space/UseThis building houses court administration offices and officials. The facilities areinadequate for existing needs. There are adequate court reporters’ offices. There is nowitness room and no Family Law Information Centre. There is no media room and one isnot required.

There is no Victim/Witness Assistance Program. The Milton site services this building onan ad-hoc basis. “May not be possible to accommodate a separate office. An office wouldbe required to be built within the space and designated waiting area” to meet existingneeds.

The building has shared duty counsel facilities that are inadequate. More space is neededto meet existing needs. There is no legal aid office, but one is required. The courthousecan currently accommodate integrated justice facility requirements

14.14.14.14. LibrariesLibrariesLibrariesLibrariesThere is no library in the courthouse. Members of the Bench require library facilities.There is a collection of bookshelves available only to members of the Bench.


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15.15.15.15. Other Security MattersOther Security MattersOther Security MattersOther Security MattersThe overall level of security is poor for staff, Crown officers, judges, lawyers, personsunder custody and the general public. There appears to be an issue as to sufficient courtsecurity for the Crown attorneys, the judiciary, court staff and the public.

There is no metal detector. There is a functioning burglar alarm system but securityofficers do not service the building 24-hours a day. There is one police officer posted atthe building in Family Court. There are not sufficient court security officers and police onduty. No ineffectively handled “security- related incidents” have occurred during the pastthree years. Information on whether security systems and resources have not diminishedduring the past three years was not reported.

16.16.16.16. Prospects and Future NeedsProspects and Future NeedsProspects and Future NeedsProspects and Future NeedsThere are no requirements to meet existing needs in this facility.

With respect to future needs, it was suggested that it would be preferable to arranged fora “new, centrally located facility with proper security for all persons required to attend atthe courthouse. Also, a centrally located building would alleviate court schedulingproblems, eliminate the necessity of duplicating library materials, etc., and would providea central location to deal with court matter relating Halton Region.”

Documents

Task Force on Courthouse Facilities Survey Report ...PORT:PORT:.....1616 Strategic Communications Inc. Law Society of Upper Canada Toronto and Vancouver Courthouse Task Force Survey