The in-person proceedings in the Ontario Court of Justice were due to resume at those locations on Sept. 14 as part of a phased in reopening plan, but “the Ministry has advised that it is not satisfied that all of the necessary health and safety measures are in place …” according to a notice to the profession and the public from the Ontario Court of Justice.
Instead, all cases scheduled for an in-person trial or preliminary hearing the week of Sept. 14 at those locations will be addressed at each location’s COVID-19 Trial Readiness Court, with counsel and accused appearing by videoconference or audioconference.
In-person family matters that were scheduled for Stratford, Woodstock or Gore Bay may proceed using remote technology, and the court will contact participants to make arrangements, according to a separate notice to the profession and public.
Other courthouse locations that were scheduled to reopen Sept. 14, including Coburg, Simcoe, Welland, Cochrane, Fort Frances and Walkerton, are not affected.