The intention of consolidating the Superior Court of Justice and the Ontario Court of Justice is to improve justice services in Thunder Bay. The new multi-story building, located in Thunder Bay’s downtown south core, will have space to accommodate 15 courtrooms and four conference/settlement suites.

A unique feature of this new facility is that it will provide Ontario’s first Aboriginal Conference Settlement Suite, which is designed to be a culturally and architecturally relevant space where First Nations, Inuit and Métis people traditions are acknowledged and understood and where court matters such as case conferences, pre-trials, and family and civil hearings can be held in a way consistent with their cultural beliefs.

The plan for the new facility includes it being constructed to the LEED Silver standard and includes barrier free access to courtrooms, jury boxes, witness stands, as well as infrared hearing assistance.

Infrastructure Ontario is working with the Ministry of the Attorney General on this project and at its peak 225 workers will be onsite. Michael Gravelle, the MPP for Thunder Bay – Superior North stated that “not only will the Thunder Bay Consolidated Courthouse improve access to justice services in the region, but it will also be a green building, meeting rigorous requirements for energy management and conservation.”