Premier Officially Opens New Bridgewater Justice Centre

Lunenburg County residents can now access all justice-related services in one location.

Premier Darrell Dexter celebrated the official opening of the new Bridgewater Justice Centre today, July 30, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house. Premier Dexter was joined by Chief Justice Michael MacDonald, and Attorney General and Justice Minister Ross Landry.

"In February, the Bridgewater Justice Centre was dedicated to the late Michael Baker," said Premier Dexter. "Today's ceremony gives community members a chance to come out and honour his memory by taking part in the official opening of this commemorative building."

The $16.8-million, 51,800-square-foot justice centre, designed by Lydon Lynch Architects, was built with energy efficiency and sustainablity in mind. The building was designed to achieve a Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED) silver rating and includes increased insulation levels, a heat-recovery system, a rainwater-capture system and lighting optimization, among other features.

"From both environmental and economic points of view, this building does Nova Scotia proud," said Attorney General and Justice Minister Ross Landry. "Its energy-efficient design and features will benefit our environment through reduced emissions."

The construction project employed more than 200 skilled tradespeople from 20 companies in Nova Scotia.

The three-level justice centre has four courtrooms, five holding cells, and will house 33 staff from Court Services. Public services offered by Nova Scotia Legal Aid, Community Corrections, Victims Services and Public Prosecution Services are connected to the justice centre by a pedway.

Court services began in the new building on June 29. Since the building opened, 43 court proceedings took place at the justice centre.