According to a government release issued Aug. 8, the expanded centre will “support the province’s work to protect communities and increase access to justice for at-risk young adults.”
Attorney General Doug Downey noted that justice centres are “transforming how justice is delivered across Ontario.”
“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. By connecting at-risk young adults with critical supports — like addiction services, family counselling and life skills — we’re breaking the cycle of offending and protecting Ontario communities,” he added in a statement.
The London Justice Centre, which opened in 2020, had previously provided “access to virtual-only court proceedings in a smaller community-based space.”
Now, the newly expanded centre 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.”
Associate Attorney General Michael Tibollo said the London Justice Centre is “delivering real results and we’re building on that success.”
“With this new, dedicated space and expanded programming, including mental health and addictions supports, we’re helping more young adults to make better choices and avoid reoffending,” he emphasized.
Chief Justice Sharon Nicklas, of the Ontario Court of Justice, said the court “welcomes the expanded London Justice Centre, which advances the Court’s vision for a justice system that ensures all participants are treated with dignity and can take part meaningfully.”
“The Court remains committed to working with justice partners to build an innovative, principled justice system that is responsive to community needs — particularly for overrepresented groups, including Indigenous and racialized individuals, and those facing mental health or addiction challenges. We commend the government’s efforts and look forward to continued collaboration to expand meaningful access to justice in London, and across Ontario,” she added in a statement.
According to the release, the London Justice Centre has processed “more than 2,400 cases related to young adults, connecting 100 per cent of justice centre participants to mental health, education, employment or housing supports.”
“Most cases at the London Justice Centre are completed in less than 15 weeks — faster than at the London Courthouse,” the release added.
Other justice centres across the province include the Toronto Downtown East and Toronto Northwest Justice Centres, which opened in 2021, and the Kenora Justice Centre, which opened in 2023. The provincial government is also developing “new justice centres in Barrie and Timmins.”
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