Durham Consolidated Courthouse

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Opportunity Over the next 20 years, the Region of Durham is forecast to have one of the highest rates of population and caseload growth in Ontario. Previously operating out of eight outdated locations with numerous limitations, the Durham Regional Courthouse provides Superior and Ontario Courts justice services under one roof. Innovations Access Justice Durham put forward an energy consumption target in their bid. They are responsible for managing energy consumption within five per cent of the energy target. If energy use exceeds this target by more than five per cent Access Justice Durham pays for it while savings beyond five percent are shared between partners. The incentive-based, value-added approach encouraged proponents to identify bid enhancements that were of key importance to the Province such as sustainability and added security. Results The new 446,000 square foot Durham Consolidated Courthouse (DCC) features: Jury assembly room capacity of 300— an increase of 200%; 33 courtrooms; Three motion rooms; Conference and settlement rooms; Remote video capability; and 101 interview rooms. The Ministry of the Attorney General remains responsible for managing and operating court and related services. In addition to providing more accessible and efficient legal services the project contributed to the revitalization of Oshawa’s downtown core by returning a former industrial site to safe and productive use. DCC is the most technologically advanced courthouse in Ontario and consumes approximately 46 per cent less energy than similar buildings designed to meet the Model National Energy Code of Canada for Buildings 1997. The third floor of the building can be converted into an additional eight courtrooms, with provision made for future addition to accommodate displaced offices. During construction an estimated 250 workers were on site daily. When it opened in 2009 approximately 500 Ministry of the Attorney General and other justice stakeholder staff worked in the courthouse. Courthouse employees and visitors bring an estimated $7 million per year in additional spending to the City of Oshawa. “The Durham Region Courthouse is the first courthouse project to be completed under our government’s Alternative Financing and Procurement program. This new modern, efficient and integrated courthouse will bring together court services operating in eight locations across the region under one roof – a practical move that will help improve access and delivery of justice.” Gerry Phillips, former Ontario Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Learn more at: CCPPP Case Studies

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