An historic move for Guelph’s Provincial Offences Court

Share this on Twitter or Facebook

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

GUELPH, ON, July 16, 2010 – The renovation and restoration of Guelph’s historic City Hall building at 59 Carden Street is nearing completion, and the City’s Court Services division is preparing to move in at the end of the month.

Guelph’s Provincial Court will continue to operate at its current location at 55 Wyndham Street, inside Old Quebec Street Shops, until 12 p.m. on July 30. Operations will start at 8:30 a.m. on August 3 at 59 Carden Street.

"We’re excited about the move into 59 Carden," says Brad Coutts, "There will still be some work going on after opening day, but a full trial court schedule is prepared and the new courthouse will be open and serving the community."

The building at 59 Carden Street was designed by William Thomas and built in 1856 using locally quarried Lockport Dolomite. Its exterior features were designated as historically significant by the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee in 1978.

Renovations over the past year have restored many of the interior heritage features including ceilings, archways and cast iron columns. A number of sculptural details have also been replicated throughout the building.

A new section was added to the rear of the building to accommodate the judicial operations of Guelph’s Provincial Offences Court.
"We will be preparing a schedule to allow for everyone to see the finished project over the coming months," added Coutts. "With the courthouse next to City Hall, plus the landscaping and rink on Carden Street we’re creating a Civic centrepiece; a great place to welcome residents and visitors to the centre of the city."

About Guelph’s Provincial Offences Court
The City of Guelph administers the Provincial Offences Court in Guelph-Wellington. Typical court matters include offences under the Highway Traffic Act (e.g. speeding tickets), Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act, Trespass to Property Act, Liquor Licence Act and Municipal By-laws.

- 30 -

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Brad Coutts
Manager, Court Services
Human Resources and Legal Services
T 519-822-1260 x 2909
E brad.coutts@guelph.ca

NOTE: Photography is not permitted inside a court facility.