Edmonton, Fort McMurray among courthouses getting $6M security upgrades
Work includes building access, emergency systems, security technology and prisoner movement areas, with construction completion expected in 2027.
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Alberta is putting more than $6 million into security upgrades at 10 courthouses across the province, Edmonton's among them.
The province announced the funding in a release on Thursday. Other courthouses receiving work are in Sherwood Park, Lethbridge, Drumheller, Fort McMurray, St. Paul, Pincher Creek, Alexis, Canmore and Cochrane. The work covers building access, emergency systems, security technology and prisoner movement areas.
Infrastructure Minister Martin Long said courthouses must be safe and functional because they are essential public facilities, and that the upgrades will serve Albertans "for years to come." The funding is meant to "address identified security risks, improve courthouse operations and help ensure Alberta's justice system continues to serve communities across the province," according to the release.
The upgrades follow recommendations from a 2023 planning study that identified several safety and security improvements needed across courthouses. Most of the work is still in design and procurement. Construction is set to begin this fiscal year and finish in 2027.
Chief Justice James A. Hunter said courthouses "must remain safe and secure areas where participants in the justice system are free of intimidation or threats."
The release did not give a cost breakdown per courthouse, name the specific security risks, or say whether the courts or opposition parties had responded.
