New Welland court complex well under budget

The new Provincial Offences Act courthouse is up and running in Welland and will finish well under budget.

The forecasted final cost for the Niagara Region facility is $11,176,987.31 out of a budget of $12.4 million, the Region’s corporate services committee heard Wednesday.

“It’s an example of when things go right,” said Port Colborne Coun. David Barrick, committee chairman.

The courthouse handles noncriminal offences such as Highway Traffic Act offences, and Liquor Licence Act offences as well as municipal bylaws and other provincial and federal offences. It is also the site of hearings under the Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act, the Environmental Protection Act, the Fire Prevention and Protection Act and the Alcohol and Gaming Act.

“I want to express my gratitude to staff,” Grimsby Coun. Tony Quirk said.

“We always hear about projects that are tracking over budget. This one is tracking under budget, even with the contingency, to the tune of about 10 per cent under budget.

The forecast cost of the new facility provided to the committee includes funds to manage any deficiencies or outstanding construction issues found in the facility after it officially opened in October.

Some of the outstanding issues include repair and replacement of defective wall panels, a problem with sewer gas, mechanical site service connection issues and acoustical improvements for office spaces.

The single-storey courthouse at 445 East Main St. is 1,836 square metres and has two courtrooms and administration space. It was designed to accommodate the addition of a third courtroom at some point if required.

It replaced obsolete facilities in Welland at 3 Cross St. and in Niagara Falls at 4635 Queen St. Neither met modern standards in accessibility and security.