Task Force on Courthouse Facilities Survey Report RENFREW COUNTY Group 4 APPENDIX ATTACHED
TABLE OF CONTENTS RENFREW COUNTY SUMMARY...... 2 SUPERIOR COURT (PEMBROKE) SUMMARY...... 4 REPORT...... 5 ONTARIO COURT (PEMBROKE) SUMMARY...... 9 REPORT...... 10 ONTARIO COURT (RENFREW) SUMMARY...... 14 REPORT...... 15 ONTARIO COURT (KILLALOE) SUMMARY...... 19 REPORT...... 20
County or District: Superior Court of Justice 297 Pembroke Street East Pembroke, Ontario Reported on by: Jean-Pierre Quintal Ontario Court of Justice 415 Pembroke Street West Pembroke, Ontario Reported on by: Jean-Pierre Quintal Ontario Court of Justice 127 Raglan Street South Renfrew, Ontario K7V 1P8 Reported on by: David A. Stewart Ontario Court of Justice Mill Street Killaloe, Ontario Reported on by: Rick Reimer 1
County or District: Renfrew Summary: Four completed survey questionnaires were received from, providing details on one Superior courthouse (Pembroke) and three Ontario courthouses (Pembroke, Renfrew, and Killaloe). It is the largest geographical county in Ontario. All four courthouses face space issues. There appears to be an inadequate amount of space to efficiently or effectively carry out necessary court duties. Superior Court (Pembroke) Problems at this courthouse are centered on extensively inadequate security. Even the judge lacks a separate private entrance to courtroom two. Equally troublesome is the fact that this facility has seen drug drops to prisoners. There appears to be no adequately or effectively enforced security. Consequently, the security for everyone needing to use this building was rated as very poor. With respect to any of these issues being addressed in the next five years: unless we get a new facility, or someone is badly hurt or killed, [there is a] very slight prospect of improvement. Ontario Court (Pembroke) This court faces many of the same problems as the Superior court. Security for everyone using this courthouse was rated as very poor ; [this courthouse is a] time bomb - the question is when something will happen. Adequate facilities are also an issue here. The lack of public seating infringes on the fire code, and the bench in courtroom three is merely a metal table. County counsel have made recommendations, which we were told would be looked at. We have been waiting, seemingly forever, for new facilities. Ontario Court (Renfrew) Inadequate space is a detriment of the facility. The only lawyer-client meeting room is a converted holding cell. Also, the level of security for judges was rated as very poor as they must use public stairway and hallway for access to retiring room. 2
Ontario Court (Killaloe) This court is located in the basement of a medical centre. It was never intended, nor has it ever been appropriate, for a court facility. No amount of renovation could make this building suitable for use as a courtroom. 3
County or District: Level of Court: Courthouse Address: Renfrew Superior Court of Justice 297 Pembroke St, E, Pembroke Summary: This courthouse is in poor general repair. Interior facilities are in poor repair, as is the housekeeping. The building is classified as a historical/heritage building. The facility is apparently not being preserved as such, and historical preservation is a large issue concerning the building. The building has no wheelchair access, and is a multiple level facility without a functioning elevator. Consequently, there are multiple and serious access problems facing this facility. The number of courtrooms is inadequate, as is their structural integrity. It was reported that tiles fall from the ceiling. Courthouse security is ineffective and insufficient. The judge lacks a separate entrance, and there is interaction between the accused and jurors (obviously not acceptable). The respondent made it very clear that this courthouse has been under serious consideration for quite some time with no attempts made at rectifying the problems. It was also felt that there was a very slight prospect of improvement. 4
Report: 1. Use of this Courthouse The courthouse is used for criminal, family, and civil matters, as well as small claims. There are no available user statistics. 2. External Features and Repairs This building is classified as a historical/heritage building. Although the external original structure has been respected, the external repair of the building is rated as poor. The internal aspects of the facility have not been maintained, and are reported as being of inferior quality. The general state of repair of the internal aspects of the building, as well as of the housekeeping, are both described as poor. 3. Ownership and Control The building is owned by the Ministry of the Attorney General, and is operated by the Ontario Realty Corporation. The facility is not subject to a lease. There are currently minor renovations underway. It was noted that there has been some question of providing wheel chair access, however, no specific details were given. There is a user committee in place with respect to this facility in which the local law association is a member. It was reported as being ineffective in addressing the needs associated with this facility. There are no issues regarding potential encroachment on the use of the facility for the administration of justice by other government or private users. The top three issues related to the facility were described as follows: Inadequate number of courtrooms; Access for the disabled; Historical preservation. It was unknown whether any of these issues is likely to be resolved in the next three years; we have had many promises in the past, but no results. 4. Courtrooms The facility has two Superior courtrooms, which are used by both levels of courts on rare occasions. The number of courtrooms is insufficient to accommodate reasonable foreseeable growth and demand over the next five years. Courtroom Number One is described as adequate, with the following exceptions: the video conferencing capabilities, cleanliness, acoustics, and air-conditioning were all described as poor. There is no private exit for the accused in custody, nor access for the disabled. 5
With respects to the general appearance and state of repair, it was reported that there are tiles falling from [the] ceiling, [and] historical aspects [are] not attended to. The public seating capacity is adequate, except when a jury panel is assembled. Courtroom Number Two is described as adequate, with the following exceptions: the public seating capacity, video conferencing capabilities, access for disabled, airconditioning are described as poor. There is no reported jury box, private exit for the judge, retiring room for the judge, or private exit for the accused in custody. It is also reported that the witness box is difficult to see from the counsel table. 5. Lawyer-Client Meeting Rooms There is one lawyer-client meeting room in each courtroom. They are furnished with a meeting room, phone and a cloak room. There are no reported deficiencies in these facilities; however, there are not an adequate number of rooms to meet reasonable demand. These rooms do not provide reasonable privacy for the clients, nor are they adequately furnished. However, they are in reasonable proximity to the courts they serve. 6. Jury Facilities There is a jury room for each court equipped for jury trials. They are of adequate size, but are reported to be small. They are also furnished, but they do not have private entrances to the courtroom. The jury does not have to use the public facilities in the courthouse. The jury shares the main stairs with the witnesses, police council and accused persons. In this narrow area, some contact is unavoidable. There are also no facilities for jury panel assembly. This has resulted in two mistrials in the past year. 7. Public/Witness Accommodation In general, the courthouse is rated poorly. There is no seating for the public and witnesses outside the courtroom. Female and male washroom facilities, as well as the maintenance and cleanliness, are all rated poorly. Persons in custody are required to pass through a public area in order to access the courtrooms. The library and the public washrooms are also all rated poorly. The courthouse is not accessible by public transit, and there is no public parking within reasonable distance. This presents a problem because jurors and witnesses must park on clogged side streets. Many often receive parking tickets. This causes significant distress. There are no refreshments available for the public. Some refreshments, like coffee or a snack bar, are required. 8. Accessibility for Disabled Persons Both the entrance to Courtroom One and court administration are not accessible to disabled persons. There are no eating facilities or elevators for disabled persons. The courthouse is a multilevel facility without an elevator. People in wheelchairs can not access the large courtroom on the upper level. 6
9. Holding Cells There are three holding facilities for people in custody. The facilities are not segregated for men women and youth. Although there are washrooms, the state of the holding facilities is poor. Security presents a problem concerning the holding cells because they are accessed through the public lobby and stairs. These are shared by the jurors, witnesses, and counsel. There are also no private rooms where conferences between client and solicitor can occur. Overall, the status of these conference facilities is unacceptable. 10. Lawyers Facilities There is no lounge or similar space devoted exclusively to the lawyers. There is a separate gowning facility located in the Annex, another building. The quasi-private phone facility is described as an oversized closet. There are separate facilities for men and women. Both are furnished with lockers and washrooms, but the maintenance is described as inadequate. In general, the facilities are described as inadequate as well. 11. Judges Chambers The courthouse is equipped with two chambers for Superior court judges immediately adjacent to the courtrooms. The chambers are adequate in furnishings and number for Superior Court judges. There are no reported chambers for other judicial officers. There are not a sufficient number of chambers to accommodate reasonably foreseeable growth. However, they do provide secure and private access to each courtroom. There are no chambers or even waiting facilities for Courtroom Two in the Annex. 12. Crown Attorney Offices There is no office for the Crown Attorney. There are proposals but no plans to rectify this situation within the next three years. There is a need for full offices for the Crown in this complex. As a minimum, there should be Crown prep and consult rooms. 13a. Other Administrative Space/Use The administrative offices must be bigger to meet the existing needs. 13b. Other Administrative Space/Court Reporters Office The court reporters offices are not adequate to meet the existing needs. 13c. Other Administrative Space/Duty Counsel There is no facility for the duty counsel. A consult room and/or an interview room is required to take applications. There is a family law information center. 13d. Other Administrative Space/Legal Aid Though the building requires a legal aid office, there is no such facility. 13e. Other Administrative Space/Victim/Witness Assistant Program The building does not require a VWAP office. 7
13f. Other Administrative Space/Media There is no media room in this courthouse. 14. Library There are library facilities required and available to the Bar, Crown and Bench that are jointly administered by the and District Law Association and the Law Society of Upper Canada. The facility houses a librarian and has access to computers. The library is inadequate to meet existing needs, as the space available is insufficient. 15. Other Security Matters There is no metal detector system available upon entry to the building. Though police are posted as needed at the building, it is reported that this is not a regular occurrence. There are usually sufficient court security officers and police on duty. In Courtroom Two, there is an issue as to the sufficiency of court security amongst the following: the Bar, Crown officers, judiciary, police, court staff and the public. It is unknown if the court has a functioning burglar alarm or whether or not, in the last three years, there have been any security-related incidents that were not handled effectively by the existing systems or resources. The building is not serviced by security officers 24- hours a day. Security systems and resources have not diminished within the past three years. The prospect of these issues being addressed in the next twelve months is unknown. Especially in Courtroom Two, the level of security has been rated very poor for the following parties: staff, Crown officers, judges, persons in custody, public, and lawyers, both working and attending the courtroom. 16. Prospects and Future Needs Details on prospects and future needs centered on the security issues. This facility has seen drug drops to prisoners, jurors [have been] spat on by [the] accused s family, [and] accused and jurors smoking [together] on the outside. The respondent continued with unless we get a new facility or someone is badly hurt or killed, [there is a] very slight prospect [for] improvement. The respondent also noted that our new facility has been under serious consideration for years. 8
County or District: Renfrew Level of Court: Ontario Court of Justice Courthouse Address: 415 Pembroke St, W, Pembroke Summary: The courthouse building is in a poor state of repair. Both the interior facilities and the housekeeping were described as inadequate. Everyone using this courthouse has an issue as to the sufficiency of court security at this facility. The level of security for all persons using this courthouse was rated as very poor. Safer courtrooms is one of the immediate needs of this facility. The general appearance and state of repair for most of this facility, including the courtrooms and holding cells, was characterized as extremely poor. The respondent was skeptical that any of the issues facing this courthouse would be addressed in the foreseeable future. 9
Report: 1. Use of this Courthouse This courthouse is used for criminal and family law matters. There are no user statistics available. 2. External Features and Repairs This building is not classified as a historical/heritage building. The external repair of the building was rated as poor. Both the general state of repair of the internal aspects of the building and the present state of housekeeping were rated as unacceptable. 3. Ownership and Control This building is under private ownership and is subject to a lease. No information regarding the specifics of the lease was given. There has been no substantial renovation in the last 10 years, merely some minor cosmetic work. No information pertaining to renovations, a user committee, or the top three issues relating to this facility were given. It was noted that there are no issues regarding potential encroachment on the use of the facility for the administration of justice by other government or private users. 4. Courtrooms The building houses three Ontario Courtrooms. This number is not sufficient to accommodate reasonable foreseeable growth and demand. Courtroom Number One is generally described as adequate with the exception of the witness box, prisoner box, public seating capacity, general appearance and state of repair, cleanliness, acoustics, access for disabled, and air-conditioning, which were all described as poor. Non-existent aspects include a jury box, and video conferencing capabilities. It was reported that the building was condemned in 1994. [The] structure [is] falling down, air quality [is] poor, and access [is] dangerous. Courtroom Number Two has as its only adequate aspects the bench, retiring room for the judge, and phones for clerks. There is no prisoner box, electronic security alarm for the judge, and video-conferencing capabilities. Everything else is poor, including the general appearance and state of repair, which is described as dismal. Courtroom Number Three has nothing in it that is described as adequate. The bench (a metal desk), clerk/reporter facilities, witness box, prisoner box, retiring room for the judge, general appearance and state of repair, cleanliness, acoustics, access for disabled, and the air-conditioning are all rated poor. The courtroom does not have a counsel table, private exit for the judge, public seating capacity, phones for clerks, and video-conferencing capabilities. The courtroom is described as abysmal. So small that [the] witness can reach [the] presiding Justice of the Peace. 10
5. Lawyer-Client Meeting Rooms This facility has six lawyer-client meeting rooms; however, this number is absolutely not adequate to meet reasonable demand. Courtroom One has two interview rooms. One room is used as a coatroom, and the other is a very small room used by Duty Counsel, the Crown, police, and defense counsel. Courtrooms Two and Three have four interview rooms. One is used as a coat room and phone room, one is used by Justices of the Peace as a retiring room, and the remaining two are used as interview rooms. The number is wholly inadequate. These rooms are not reasonable proximate to the courts they serve, and have spartan furnishings. They do, however, provide reasonable privacy. 6. Jury Facilities Not applicable. 7. Public/Witness Accommodation There is insufficient seating for the public and witnesses external to the courtroom. Recent complaints re: bylaw and fire code infringements. So crowded that it is a powder keg. The male washroom facilities are poor, as is their maintenance and cleanliness. No report was given as to the state of the female facilities. Health and safety issues associated with this facility pertain to air quality. The courthouse is not accessible by public transit, nor is there public parking a reasonable distance from the courthouse. This closest is a local arena in which the parking is free, but there are an inadequate number of spaces. The only refreshments available to the public consist of one vending machine. This is not adequate to meet the public's needs. A coffee bar would assist in amending the situation. Persons in custody are not required to pass through a public area in order to access any courtroom, but sometimes [it] does occur, especially for young offenders; who do not have separate facilities. 8. Accessibility for Disabled Persons This courthouse is a multiple level facility without a functioning elevator or escalator. Disabled access is rated as poor for courthouse entry, public washrooms, and courtrooms generally. 9. Holding Cells The building has five holding cells, with one separate cell that is usually used for young offenders, but could, if needed, be used for segregation. They do not have adequate washroom facilities, however, there is direct private access from the holding facilities to the courts. The general state of repair of the holding facilities is extremely poor. Private 11
solicitor client conferences cannot take place in the holding cells. 10. Lawyers Facilities There are, essentially, no lawyers facilities in this courthouse. 11. Judges Chambers/Facilities This facility has two judges chambers and a glass booth for the Justice of the Peace, which also serves as an interview room and an office. This number is not at all adequate. Visiting judges have no space. Although the spaces are adequately furnished, they do not provide secure and private access to and egress from court. The number is not sufficient to accommodate reasonable foreseeable growth. 12. Crown Attorney Offices The building does not house an office for Crown attorneys. Requirements include at least two rooms to meet with counsel, police, and witnesses. There are currently no plans underway that would rectify the situation. 13. Other Administrative Space The building houses court administration offices and officials. It does not have a facility for duty counsel, nor does it have a Family Law Information Centre. The building has no legal aid office, yet it requires one. The facility requires a VWAP room. This courthouse does not have a media room. 14. Libraries This courthouse does not have a library facility, however, one is required for the Bar. 15. Other Security Matters There is no metal detector system available for use upon entry to the building. Police are sometimes posted. There are not sufficient court security officers and police on duty. There is an issue as to the sufficiency of court security with everyone who uses the building. There have been security incidents in the last three years, which were handled ineffectively, including: Fight in waiting room and in parking lot; Ambulance called re: medical problem in court; Lack of Sallyport has resulted in escapes; Drug drops occur in public washrooms; Prisoners mix with public in courts. The respondent noted there have been significant, though insufficient improvements with respects to security systems and resources over the past three years. The respondent feels that the prospect of any of these concerns being effectively addressed in the next twelve months is unlikely - given history. The level of security for everyone 12
working and using this courthouse was rated as very poor - [the facility is a] time bomb, the question is when something will happen. 16. Prospects and Future Needs Requirements needed to meet existing needs are as follows: Court Three too small; no exit for the judge, no waiting facility; Court two; no secure exit for the judge, over-crowding. County counsel have made recommendations which we were told would be looked at - we have been waiting, seemingly forever, for new facilities. We have been told how bad our facilities are and that we would be getting appropriate facilities, but we still wait. Future needs include more courtrooms, safer courtrooms, and more interview facilities. The respondent was skeptical that any of these requirements would be met in the next five years. Essentially, we need new facilities. 13
County or District: Level of Court: Courthouse Address: Renfrew Ontario Court of Justice 127 Raglan St. S, Renfrew Summary: The external repair of the building is excellent. Both the interior facilities and the housekeeping for this facility are adequate. There are two main issues regarding space facing this courthouse. The first being there is totally inadequate interviewing and consulting space for counsel and clients, the second is inadequate public space, particularly for Family Court. The only lawyer-client meeting room is a converted holding cell, which is inadequate to meet the demands of the courthouse. Security issues at this court are present for all users, and specifically concern prisoners. Prisoners are required to pass through a police office area and through public areas in order to enter the Courtroom. As well, prisoners are required to pass through public areas. This facility also needs some sort of small library area, which would ideally consist of a computer terminal that could access Quick Law. 14
Report: 1. Use of this Courthouse This courthouse is used for criminal and family law matters. User statistics are as follows: This court is used approximately two days a week for criminal court, approximately four days a month for family court, one day a month for provincial offences court, and one day every two months for small claims court. This court was used 197 days in 1995, 201 days in 1996, 195 days in 1997, 181 days in 1998, and 180 days in 1999. 2. External Features and Repairs This building is not classified as a historical/heritage building. The external repair of the building was rated as excellent. Both the general state of repair of the internal aspects of the building and the present state of housekeeping were reported as adequate. 3. Ownership and Control The building is publicly owned and operated by the Town of Renfrew. The facility is subject to a lease, which expires in 2002. Information on the square footage and monthly lease payments were not reported. The building has not been substantially renovated in the last 10 years, nor are there any plans underway to do so. There is no user committee in place with respect to this facility. There are no issues regarding potential encroachment on the use of the facility for the administration of justice by other government or private users. The top three issues relating to the facility were listed as follows: Totally inadequate interviewing and consulting space for counsel and clients; Inadequate security i.e., prisoners move through public areas; judge must go trough public areas; Inadequate public space, particularly for Family Court. The respondent felt that none of these issues is likely to be resolved in the next three years. 4. Courtrooms The building has one Ontario Courtroom, which is sufficient to accommodate reasonably foreseeable growth and demand. The courtroom is generally described as adequate, with the exception of the prisoner box, private exit for the judge, retiring room for the judge, other technology, and airconditioning, which were all described as poor. The courtroom does not have a jury box, private exit for accused in custody, or video-conferencing capabilities. 5. Lawyer/Client Meeting Rooms 15
The facility has one lawyer/client meeting room, which is a converted holding cell. This is a deficiency of the facility, and is not an adequate number to meet reasonable demand. However, the room is proximate to the court it serves, offers reasonable privacy, and is reasonably furnished. 6. Jury Facilities Not applicable. 7. Public/Witness Accommodation There is insufficient seating for the public and witnesses external to the courtroom. Both the women and men s washroom facilities are rated as adequate, as is their maintenance and cleanliness level. There are no health and safety issues associated with this facility. This courthouse is not accessible by public transit. However, there are an adequate number of free public parking spaces a reasonable distance from the courthouse. There are no refreshment facilities available to the public; [there is] no perceived need. Persons in custody are required to pass through a public area in order to access the courtroom. 8. Accessibility for Disabled Persons Accessibility for disabled persons is rated as adequate for all applicable areas. The courthouse is a multiple level facility with a functioning elevator. There are no public access problems associated with this facility. 9. Holding Cells The building has four holding cells. Female/youth cell separated from male facilities by [a] steel door. The cells have washroom facilities. The general state of repair of the holding facilities is adequate. There are, however, security issues with respects to the holding facilities due to the fact that they do not provide private access to the courts. Prisoners are required to pass through a police office area and through public areas in order to enter courtroom. The holding facilities are such that private, secure, solicitor-client conferences can occur, and the status of such is adequate. 10. Lawyers Facilities The building does not have a lounge or phones for lawyers. 11. Judges Chambers/Facilities The building does not have any judges chambers. This number is insufficient to accommodate reasonable foreseeable growth. 16
12. Crown Attorney Offices The building has a Crown Attorney office, and the space accommodates existing needs. The office does not have a separate office security system. It was unknown whether this was considered adequate. 13. Other Administrative Space/Use This building does not house court administration offices and officials, court reporters offices, a facility for duty counsel, a Family Law Information Centre, or a legal aid office. The facility needs a dedicated room with access to legal research (i.e., small library or computer terminal), and some space for legal aid to take applications one day a week or the like. The facility has a VWAP office that could be bigger. Apart from the VWAP office, it does not have a witness room. It was unknown if this courthouse can currently accommodate integrated justice facility requirements. The facility does not have a media room, nor is one required. 14. Libraries This courthouse does not have a library facility, nor does it require one. However, Computer on Quick Law would meet most needs; an up-to-date criminal code and evidence text book, along with about a dozen texts in criminal and family law would be desirable. 15. Other Security Matters There is no metal detector system available for use upon entry to the building. There is a minimum of one security officer during court hours. The respondent felt that this number is inadequate. There is an issue as to the sufficiency of court security at this facility amongst everyone using the facility. The building does not have a functioning alarm system, nor is it serviced 24-hours a day by security officers; police station housed in same building, but building itself not manned 24- hours [a day]. There have been no security related incidents in the last three years of which the respondent was aware, and which were not handled effectively by the then existing systems and resources. There has been no diminishment in security systems and resources over the past three years. The level of security is adequate only for lawyers and persons under custody. For staff, Crown officers, and the general public it is rated as poor (prisoners pass on busy public stairs and hallway). The security for judges is very poor due to the fact that judges must 17
use the public stairway and hallway for access to the retiring room. 16. Prospects and Future Needs Requirements needed were detailed as follows: Private space to interview clients required; Security concerns as above noted required; Library and working tools for bar required. It was reported as unlikely that any of these requirements would be met within the next five years. The respondent was unaware of any plans or commitments pertaining to these issues. There are no future needs anticipated unless court becomes a satellite court. If this happens, renovations would be needed. Ideally, we should have a dedicated, planned court. 18
County or District: Level of Court: Courthouse Address: Renfrew Ontario Court of Justice Mill St., Killaloe Summary: The external state of repair of this building is declining. Interior facilities are unacceptable, although housekeeping is adequate. The problem with this courthouse can be most effectively illustrated with the following quote from the respondent: This court is located in the basement of a medical centre. It was never intended, nor has it ever been appropriate, for a court facility. No amount of renovation could make this building suitable for use as a courtroom. For all other questions regarding prospects and future needs, the respondent referred back to this answer. 19
Report: 1. Use of this Courthouse This court is used solely for criminal matters. There are no user statistics available. 2. External Features and Repairs This building is not classified as a historical/heritage building. The external repair of the building was reported as declining. The internal aspects of the building are unacceptable, although housekeeping is adequate. 3. Ownership and Control The building is under private ownership. It was unknown who owns the building, or if it is subject to a lease. The building is approximately 1000 square feet. The building has not been renovated in any substantial way in the last 10 years, nor are any renovations planned. There is no user committee in place with respect to this facility. The top three issues facing this facility were described as follows: Overcrowding - often not enough room for participants and spectators to sit, not enough room at counsel table; Lack of area for consultation between counsel and accused; Lack of separate entrance for the judge who must pass through courtroom to reach chambers. The respondent felt that none of these issues is likely to be resolved in the next three years. 4. Courtrooms The building has one Ontario courtroom, which is insufficient to accommodate reasonable foreseeable growth and demand. The only adequate aspects of the courtroom are the clerk/reporter facilities, cleanliness, and the access for the disabled. The bench, counsel table, witness box, prisoner box, retiring room for the judge, public seating capacity, phones for clerks, other technology, acoustics, and air conditioning were reported as poor. The courtroom does not have a private exit for the judge, private exit for accused in custody, electronic security alarm for the judge, or video-conferencing capabilities. 5. Lawyer-Client ent Meeting Rooms The facility has one lawyer-client meeting room. This is not an adequate number to meet reasonable demand. Although it is proximate to the court it serves, it does not provide reasonable privacy, nor is it reasonably furnished. 20
6. Jury Facilities Not applicable. 7. Public/Witness Accommodation There is insufficient seating for the public and witnesses external to the courtroom. Both the female and male washroom facilities are poor, as is their maintenance. The housekeeping is described as adequate. There are no health and safety issues facing this facility. This courthouse is not accessible by public transit. Although there is free public parking within a reasonable distance from the courthouse, there are an inadequate number of spaces. There are no refreshment facilities available to the public. Persons in custody are required to pass through a public area in order to access the courtroom. 8. Accessibility for Disabled Persons Disabled access is adequate for all applicable areas. The courthouse is not a multiple level facility. 9. Holding Cells This facility has one holding cell. Obviously, there are no separate cells for females and male, segregated cells, or separate cells for youths. The cell does not have a washroom. The general state of repair of the cell is poor, and there is no private access from the cell to the court. Security issues relating to the cell are as follows: Prisoners brought directly through crowd of spectators to prisoner's box in court; No separate toilet facilities for prisoners. The cell is not able to accommodate private, secure solicitor-client conferences. 10. Lawyers Facilities This courthouse has no lawyers facilities. 11. Judges Chambers This courthouse has one judges chamber for Ontario court judges. This number is inadequate and is not sufficient to accommodate reasonable foreseeable growth. The chamber is inadequately furnished, and it does not provide for secure and private access to and egress from each court. 12. Crown Attorney Offices This building does not house offices for Crown attorneys. 21
13. Other Administrative Space/Use This building does not house court administration offices and officials, a court reporters office (nor is one required), or duty counsel offices. However, a separate, dedicated office for duty counsel consultations is needed. The courthouse does not have a Family Law Information Centre or a Legal Aid office (nor is one required). The building does not have a VWAP office, but does need one. At [the] very least, a victim/witness waiting area separate from court and accused persons. It was unknown if this courthouse can currently accommodate integrated justice facility requirements. The courthouse does not have a media room, nor is one required. 14. Libraries This courthouse requires a library facility, but does not have one. At least [a] small library for quick research by bench and bar in course of court proceedings. 15. Other Security Matters There is no metal detector available for use upon entry to the building. No police are posted at the building and this is considered sufficient. No one has an issue as to the sufficiency of court security. The building does not have a functioning burglar alarm system, nor is it serviced 24-hours a day by security officers. There have been no incidents in the last three years that were not handled effectively. The level of security is adequate for staff, Crown officers, and lawyers. It is rated as poor for judges, persons in custody, and the general public. 16. Prospects and Future Needs This court is located in the basement of a medical centre. It was never intended, not has it ever been appropriate, for a court facility. No amount of renovation could make this building suitable for use as a courtroom. The respondent feels that this is self-explanatory and encompasses all of the issues facing this courthouse. 22