Downtown courthouse renos improve ‘access to justice’

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This article was published 25/10/2021 (1157 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A $6-million renovation has opened the door to better accessibility at the Law Courts Building in downtown Winnipeg.

“Part of access to justice is being able to access the courthouse. Big concrete ramps are now installed, and it hopefully makes it easier for everyone to access the courthouse,” said defence lawyer Zach Kinahan.

A vestibule was added to the front of the building at 408 York Ave., which was built in 1985, to better facilitate security and screening measures. Lineups used to extend outside the building as people waited to be cleared to enter.

Kinahan says there’s a lot more room for people to stay physically distanced, and the space is brighter.

“It should allow people more access to the building, and hopefully it will allow people who require assistance, people with issues with accessibility, to be able to access the courthouse easier than before,” said Kinahan.

Other changes include widened doorways, better signage, and flexible barricades, upgrades to the north and east exterior plazas, construction of a new main-floor barrier-free, universal washroom, and renovations to stairs, which includes the addition of a scooter-sized lift.

In a statement, Justice Minister Cameron Friesen said “access to justice is fundamental to the rule of law.”

“The accessibility renovations to the Law Courts building took approximately two years to complete and build on our government’s commitment to ensure services throughout the province are accessible and inclusive,” he said.

Tracey Miller, who is a co-ordinator in the Court of Queen’s Bench, welcomed the improvements, especially to the entrance.

“They have spots where elderly people and those who need that kind of space can stand in the building now” instead of waiting outside, said Miller.

These renovations will help ensure a comfortable and accessible experience for everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, she said.

Under COVID-19 protocols, only people dealing with court matters are allowed in the building.

The complex includes the original building on Broadway, which was built in 1916, and the new building that faces York Avenue. While the new building was an up-to-date design in 1985, it needed to be modernized. The complex has 49 courtrooms, including one appeal courtroom and five jury courtrooms.

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