Transportation and Works
Justice
July 22, 2014
Enhancing Access to Justice for Communities and Residents
Request for Proposals to be Issued for New Provincial Courthouse in Stephenville
To support the construction of a new provincial courthouse in Stephenville, a request for proposals is being issued this week for a firm to develop master planning and functional programming which will outline space requirements, conceptual layout and suggested schedule.
“This request for proposals marks an important step towards opening a new courthouse that will serve residents on the southwest coast. Through this stage of the process we will be searching for a company whose experience and expertise in developing facilities of this nature complements our objective of delivering important programs and services to residents and families.”
- The Honourable Nick McGrath, Minister of Transportation and Works
The deadline for proposals is August 15. Respondents will be evaluated on a variety of factors including professional qualifications, experience in developing functional programs, knowledge of best practices and service delivery, as well as the ability to establish and meet project timelines.
“A new court facility in Stephenville is timely and important as it will improve access to judicial services in the region. This new courthouse will provide a larger, more practical space for proceedings and a more secure environment for those involved in the justice system and the general public."
-The Honourable Terry French, Minister of Justice
Currently, the provincial courthouse in Stephenville is housed on the second floor of a building that was originally used as a military barracks. It is an active court that had more than 12,000 total appearances in 2013-14.
“This new courthouse will benefit residents on the southwest coast of our province. Our government made a commitment for a functional, modern facility, and this request for proposals signals the onset of that commitment. It will certainly facilitate the delivery of these important services to the people on the southwest coast.”
- The Honourable Tony Cornect, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation and MHA for Port au Port
This is the latest Provincial Government investment in court infrastructure. Since 2005, new courthouses have been constructed in Corner Brook and Happy Valley-Goose Bay. Most recently, in St. John’s, a new jury room was added to allow two trials to be held at the same time.
QUICK FACTS
- A Request for Proposals is being issued seeking a company to develop a functional plan for a new provincial courthouse in Stephenville. The selected company will develop a plan that outlines space requirements, conceptual layout, and suggested schedule.
- In April 2014, the Honourable Tom Marshall, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, announced the commitment to begin planning for a new provincial courthouse in Stephenville.
- The deadline for proposals is August 15.
- In 2013-14, there were more than 12,000 total appearances at the provincial courthouse in Stephenville.
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Media contacts:
| Scott Barfoot Director of Communications Department of Transportation and Works 709-729-3015, 690-6290 scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca |
Luke Joyce Director of Communications Department of Justice 709-729-6985, 725-4165 lukejoyce@gov.nl.ca |
| Sherry Jones Constituency Assistant to the Honourable Tony Cornect MHA for Port au Port 709-643-0813 sherryjones@gov.nl.ca |
2014 07 22 2:25 p.m.