Asbestos, mould, structural concerns significantly delayed the judicial process in Halton Region: police board
Asbestos, mould and structural concerns have repeatedly shuttered a courthouse in Milton, causing notable delays in the judicial process – and the Halton Police Board has had enough, calling on the attorney general to fix this “critical need.”
In an open letter Thursday shared on X, formerly Twitter, Coun. Jeff Knoll, and chair of the board, said he now felt “compelled” to address the concerns plaguing the Milton Courthouse at 491 Steeles Avenue East – especially as it affects the health and safety of numerous individuals from the general public to legal professionals, victims and witnesses.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
“The Milton Courthouse’s deficiencies have been an open secret, underscored by repeated closures due to mould, asbestos, and structural concerns. These issues have not only posed health and safety risks but have also led to significant delays in the judicial process, affecting the rights of those awaiting trial,” the letter reads in part.
“The temporary solutions applied thus far have been akin to band-aid fixes, failing to address the root causes of the courthouse’s inadequacies.”
One particular concern for the police board, Knoll writes, is the courthouse’s incapability in transporting accused persons and holding them in custody in a safe and efficient manner, exacerbated by the facility’s outdated infrastructure and compromising the safety of those in custody, law enforcement personnel and the general public alike.
“Instances where officers have had to navigate public areas or stairwells due to elevator failures are particularly alarming and underscore the urgent need for a modern facility that can meet current and future demands,” the letter reads.
In 2017, a new courthouse was in the works for Halton Region, providing a “glimmer of hope” to the rapidly growing region. But in 2020, the Doug Ford government tossed its plans to do so to focus on upgrading the existing facilities in Milton and Burlington.
“This decision has left us with a facility that is not only insufficient but increasingly untenable,” Knoll writes, imploring the province to reconsider reinstating the courthouse project destined for Oakville.
“This is not merely a request for infrastructure investment but a plea for a commitment to the principles of justice, safety and accessibility for the people of Halton Region.”
A spokesperson for the Ministry of the Attorney General stressed in a statement to CTV News that the province had “made significant investments to upgrade security, technology and building functionality” at both courthouses in Milton and Burlington. However, the statement did not note whether or not the province will reconsider building a new courthouse.
The attorney and deputy attorney generals, as well as several stakeholders, convened at the Milton courthouse to discuss all challenges and growth pressures in the Halton Region, with the spokesperson adding the ministry will “continue to work with our partners […] on the immediate and long-term needs in Milton.”
The Supreme Court of Canada determined provincial cases must be completed within 18 months or be tossed, as it would violate an accused’s constitutional right to trial within a reasonable time (except for special circumstances).
With files from The Canadian Press
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
EXCLUSIVE Canadian lawyers play key role in money laundering, says financial intelligence report
A report by Canada's financial watchdog obtained by the Investigative Journalism Foundation working in collaboration with CTV News looked at Canadian lawyers' potential role in money laundering schemes, including those by organized crime groups like biker gangs and drug cartels.
Biden, Trump square off tonight in first U.S. presidential debate
Joe Biden and Donald Trump are preparing to square off in their first presidential debate of the campaign tonight as the tight race for leadership of the United States begins to ramp up.
How to watch the Trump-Biden CNN Presidential Debate
U.S. President Joe Biden and presumptive Republican nominee Donald Trump will go head-to-head on Thursday, June 27 in the first-ever debate between a sitting and former U.S. president. Here's how to watch the CNN Presidential Debate, follow along in a live chat with expert analysis on CTVNews.ca, and CTV News Channel's pre- and post-debate specials.
BREAKING Nunavut judge sentences Toronto woman to 3 years prison for Inuit identity fraud
A Nunavut judge has sentenced a Toronto woman to three years in prison in a case of Inuit identity fraud.
Calgary mayor pleads with residents to keep saving water as repairs progress
Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek issued a stern warning to residents on Thursday morning about curbing their water use, saying consumption levels have continued to creep up over the past several days.
Canadians can soon fix their Apple products. Here's how
Has your iPhone screen cracked, or does your MacBook battery not charge like it used to? Instead of sending it in to an Apple repair centre or scheduling an appointment with a Genius Bar, Canadians will soon be able to fix their own devices at home.
Here's a look at the false claims you might hear during tonight's U.S. presidential debate
To hear former U.S. president Donald Trump tell it, the U.S. has fallen apart under U.S. President Joe Biden: the economy is failing, countries are emptying their prisons and mental institutions across the southern border and crime has skyrocketed.
Legal action coming to recover COVID benefit overpayments
The Canada Revenue Agency says it is ramping up efforts to recover overpayments of pandemic-related benefits.
Musicians and magicians: Avril Lavigne, David Ben among Order of Canada appointees
Avril Lavigne, Stephen Poloz and Tina Keeper are among the accomplished Canadians newly appointed to the Order of Canada.