October 25, 2021
Renovations for Accessibility Now Complete at Law Courts Building at 408 York Ave.
– – –Main Entrance Reopens for Use, Barrier-Free Access to the Site Now Complete: Friesen, Squires
Renovations to ensure the physical accessibility of the Winnipeg Law Courts Building at 408 York Ave. are now complete and the main entrance has reopened to the public, Justice Minister Cameron Friesen and Families Minister Rochelle Squires, minister responsible for accessibility, announced today.
“We are pleased that the significant renovation work at 408 York is now complete,” said Friesen. “The many improvements ensure that visitors can enter the building, proceed through security and navigate the space in a safe and secure way. This work aligns with our goal of improving access to justice and provides physical accessibility for the public and staff at the Winnipeg Law Courts Building.”
The Manitoba government has invested more than $6.1 million to undertake the renovations. The minister noted the renovations included:
- a new entrance vestibule;
- a new secure receiving and processing area;
- barrier-free upgrades to the public and staff receiving areas;
- extensive upgrades to the north and east exterior plazas;
- construction of a new main floor barrier-free, universal washroom; and
- renovations to existing stairs including addition of new scooter-sized lift.
“Access to justice is fundamental to the rule of law,” said chief justice Richard Chartier, chief justice Glenn Joyal and chief judge Margaret Wiebe. “Access to justice includes having the physical ability to appear in court and that is why the accessibility upgrades to the Winnipeg Law Courts Building are important improvements.”
As part of this project, upgrades to the public service counter will address both staff and public physical accessibility concerns, and will include better signage to reduce confusion and improve way-finding in the building. In addition, work in the security screening area ensures there are options in place to satisfy various physical accessibility concerns, including flexible barricades and widened doorways.
“These updates ensure all Manitobans can access our main court building,” said Squires. “All Manitobans, including those with disabilities, need to be able to access court services and these renovations will make it easier for them to do so.”
Manitobans are reminded that current COVID-19 protocols limit access to Manitoba court buildings to those dealing with court matters.
The complex at 408 York Ave. includes the original building built in 1916 and the new building built in 1985. While the new building was an up-to-date design when it opened, it required modernization to improve accessibility. The combined complex houses 49 courtrooms, including one appeal courtroom and five jury courtrooms.
To learn more about Manitoba courts, visit www.manitobacourts.mb.ca/. For more information on accessibility in Manitoba and The Accessibility for Manitobans Act, visit https://accessibilitymb.ca/.
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