Ontario Construction News staff writer
LONDON — The provincial government has opened an expanded London Justice Centre in a newly renovated space at Youth Opportunities Unlimited’s Joan’s Place in the city’s downtown.
The larger facility is intended to improve access to justice and support services for at-risk young adults, while also enhancing public safety, the province said Wednesday.
“Justice centres are transforming how justice is delivered across Ontario,” Attorney General Doug Downey said in a statement. “With the new permanent home for the London Justice Centre, our government is protecting Ontario by strengthening efforts to hold offenders accountable, support victims and survivors of crime and keep communities safe.”
The centre previously operated in a smaller location and offered only virtual court proceedings. The new space includes an Ontario Court of Justice courtroom for in-person hearings, technology for remote testimony, Crown attorney offices, and work areas for duty counsel, the Victim/Witness Assistance Program, London police and other community partners.
It also provides mental health and addictions supports, multi-sector services aimed at addressing intimate partner violence, and community space for counselling and life-skills programs.
Associate Attorney General Michael Tibollo said the expanded programming is helping more young adults make better choices and avoid reoffending.
Ontario Court of Justice Chief Justice Sharon Nicklas said the centre supports a justice system where participants are treated with dignity, particularly those from overrepresented groups such as Indigenous and racialized communities, and people facing mental health or addiction challenges.
Youth Opportunities Unlimited executive director Steve Cordes said locating the centre in Joan’s Place connects clients to training, employment and housing supports that can help them succeed.
The province operates other justice centres in Toronto, Kenora and Belleville.
