NORTH BAY, Ontario — The Ontario government has completed a $5.3 million security modernization project at the North Bay courthouse, introducing new screening technology and controlled entry measures as part of a broader provincial initiative to improve safety across the justice system.
The improvements include a single public entrance, a dedicated security screening area, a baggage scanner, a magnetometer designed to detect concealed metal weapons, and an optical portal.
The investment forms part of Ontario’s ongoing courthouse security program, which has received approximately $250 million in provincial funding since 2018.
Ontario Expands Courthouse Security Infrastructure
The North Bay project is intended to strengthen security for judges, court employees, legal professionals, jurors, litigants and members of the public attending judicial proceedings.
By consolidating public access through a single entrance, the courthouse can implement more consistent screening procedures and improve oversight of individuals entering the facility.
The installation of modern detection equipment also provides additional tools for identifying potential security threats before they reach courtrooms and other restricted areas.
Attorney General Doug Downey said the investment reflects the province’s commitment to maintaining secure judicial facilities.
“Our government is investing in the infrastructure, technology and security systems needed to protect the rule of law,” said Attorney General Doug Downey. “We’re strengthening courthouse security measures across the province to safeguard judges, staff, jurors and the public from violence, intimidation and disruption.”
The province has completed more than 2,100 courthouse security projects since 2018, covering infrastructure improvements, surveillance capabilities and protective systems at judicial facilities throughout Ontario.
Northern Ontario Courthouses Receive Additional Investments
The North Bay improvements are part of a wider series of security upgrades across northern Ontario, including completed projects in Gore Bay and Sudbury and ongoing construction in Sault Ste. Marie.
Gore Bay and Sudbury Security Modernization
At the Gore Bay courthouse, Ontario invested $1 million to improve the police monitoring area and upgrade the facility’s duress system.
The changes are intended to strengthen emergency response capabilities and improve surveillance and monitoring within the courthouse.
Bill Rosenberg, Member of Provincial Parliament for Algoma-Manitoulin, highlighted the importance of maintaining secure judicial services in smaller northern communities.
“The project for the Gore Bay courthouse provides an expansion and upgrade of surveillance and monitoring capacity. Having these tools in place means the western region of Manitoulin has a local facility that ensures safe and secure proceedings.”
In Sudbury, the provincial government invested $19.7 million to establish an expanded video surveillance system and introduce single points of entry at the city’s courthouses.
These improvements are designed to provide more comprehensive monitoring and controlled public access across the facilities.
Sault Ste. Marie Project Scheduled for Spring 2027
Security improvements are also underway at the Sault Ste. Marie courthouse, where Ontario has committed $4.3 million toward infrastructure and technology upgrades.
The project includes improvements to holding cells, modernization of the duress system and installation of a new surveillance system.
Construction is expected to be completed in spring 2027, extending the province’s courthouse security modernization efforts across northern Ontario.
Provincial Investment Supports Public Safety and Justice Operations
Vic Fedeli, Member of Provincial Parliament for Nipissing, said the North Bay investment will strengthen protections for court users and judicial personnel.
“Our government is taking action to strengthen public safety across Ontario. With $5.3 million invested in courthouse security improvements in North Bay, we are ensuring our justice system has the safeguards needed to protect our judiciary and the public.”
Under Ontario’s Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019, responsibility for courthouse security rests with local police services or the Ontario Provincial Police.
The province’s capital investments support these responsibilities by providing upgraded facilities, screening equipment and surveillance infrastructure.
For northern communities, courthouse modernization also represents an investment in maintaining reliable access to judicial services while addressing security requirements.
With the North Bay project completed and additional work continuing in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario is advancing its broader strategy to strengthen courthouse infrastructure and protect the people who work in and use the provincial justice system.
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