Courthouse construction begins

As part of the Provincial Building, the Whitecourt courthouse was built in 1980 and the prisoner holding area added in 1994. Currently, it is undergoing some significant changes. “The upgrade plans will bring the Whitecourt facility up to current Provincial Court standards. The work will consist of expansion of the holding area with a new sally port, and upgrades to courtroom millwork and the prisoner box. There will be renovations to the existing waiting area and administration counter, and construction of a new vulnerable witness room,” said Jennifer Burgess, Press Secretary at the Office of the Minister for Seniors and Housing and the Office of the Minister for Infrastructure. “The changes are part of the government’s $70 million province-wide Courthouse Renewal Initiative. The cost estimated for this project is $2.9 million and was awarded to K-Rite Construction Ltd., of Edmonton. Construction is underway and is expected to be complete in early 2019. The upgrades will allow for a higher standard of service in Whitecourt,” Burgess added.