CONSTRUCTION OF BELLEVILLE COURTHOUSE GETS GREEN LIGHT

A consortium called Brookfield Partnerships Quinte has signed a $247-million contract to design and build a new consolidated courthouse in Belleville.
Infrastructure Ontario and the Ministry of the Attorney General announced recently that all contractual steps have been completed and construction of the facility will begin this summer.
At the peak of construction activity, Brookfield estimates 200 workers will be on the site daily.
The courthouse will be at Coleman and Bridge Streets. It will improve access to courthouse services by consolidating the Superior Court of Justice and Ontario Court of Justice, which are currently operating in four court locations - three in Belleville and one in Trenton.
The facility will also increase the number of available courtrooms, providing better security and improving access for people with disabilities.
Brookfield was selected as a result of a competitive procurement process that began in May 2010.
The consortium consists of Brookfield Financial Corp. and Morguard Corporation with PCL Constructors Canada providing construction services. The facility was designed by WZMH Architects.
Provincial cabinet ministers lauded the project as a step forward.
"Today's announcement illustrates the government's commitment to building safe, strong communities and investing in this modern facility is part of that commitment," said Infrastructure Minister Bob Chiarelli.
Attorney General Chris Bentley said by consolidating courthouse services in one location "we are increasing efficiency and ensuring secure accessible justice services that will meet community needs for generations to come."