Justice Centre preview

The building, which is LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified, and designed by J.K. Dobbs & Associates of Halifax, features superior energy efficiency, low water-use fixtures, rain water capture, and development of a brownfield in addition to many terraces, and two-storey tall curtain walls of glass that provide plenty of natural light.

Close to 60 workers are being managed by PCL Constructors Canada Inc. on the project.

A sally port (small controlled space with two doors) is located in the northwest corner of the building to receive persons in custody. Walls are fortified in that area and there are four single and one double holding cell.

Offices and four judge chambers are located on the second floor to the rear of the building, with a spectacular view of Yarmouth Harbour. There is a terrace for judiciary use. On the top floor in the middle of the building there is a mechanical room. The building features both in-floor heating and radiant heating in the ceilings.

Four elevators have been installed – one each for judges, jury and public use, as well as a lift designed for movement of persons in custody.

The centre is wheelchair accessible and contains two side-by-side courtrooms with sound-rated insulation located on the second floor.

Aberdeen Paving will be constructing sidewalks and completing paving and

Mid-Valley construction has been contracted for the landscaping. Both companies will be tackling this work in June.

Although no current estimate was available at press time, the price tag is expected to have increased considerably since the $10.5 million cost announced in 2006.