LONDON, ONT. — The London Justice Centre expansion recently opened its doors, showcasing a newly renovated downtown facility located in Youth Opportunities Unlimited’s (YOU) Joan’s Place.
The expanded space will support the province’s work to protect communities and increase access to justice for at-risk young adults, explains a release.
Previously the centre provided access to virtual-only court proceedings in a smaller community-based space.
The newly-opened space includes:
- An Ontario Court of Justice courtroom for in-person proceedings.
- Technology to support remote testimony.
- Crown attorney offices and dedicated spaces for duty counsel, Victim/Witness Assistance Program and multiple community partners, including the London Police Service.
- Community space to provide mental health and addictions supports.
- Multi-sector services that focus on addressing intimate partner violence.
The London Justice Centre opened in 2020 and since then has processed more than 2,400 cases related to young adults.
Most cases at the London Justice Centre are completed in less than 15 weeks – faster than at the London Courthouse.
Ontario is now developing new justice centres in Barrie and Timmins.
