Department announces changes to Springdale Provincial Courthouse

Minister of Justice and Attorney General Tom Marshall today announced the impending closure of the Springdale Provincial Courthouse. The courthouse will close effective August 13, 2004.

The decision to close Springdale is due to a steady decline in caseloads at the courthouse during the past number of years.

"The Springdale Courthouse has experienced a 50 per cent reduction in court cases during the past 11 years. In 2003-04, the caseload at Springdale was approximately 1,100, compared to 1992-93 levels of 2,300 cases," stated Minister Marshall. "It has been determined, in consultation with the courts, that closure of Springdale and transfer of cases to Grand Falls-Windsor would be a more efficient use of court resources."

Following the closure, all matters will be transferred to the Grand Falls-Windsor Provincial Courthouse which has the capacity to incorporate the Springdale cases into its workload. The addition of the Springdale cases will bring the Grand Falls-Windsor Court more in line with the average caseload of a two-judge Provincial Court centre.

Currently, Provincial Court judges from Grand Falls-Windsor and Corner Brook conduct trials in Springdale and travel there on a pre-determined schedule. This will continue.

"We remain committed to delivering justice services on a timely basis, while ensuring that resources are managed effectively," added Minister Marshall.

Media contact: Heather Donovan, Communications, (709) 729-6985 or (709) 690-2498

2004 07 13                                         2:00 p.m.