Fort McMurray Court House, -file photo
EDMONTON — Alberta is spending more than $6 million on courthouse security upgrades at 10 locations across the province, including Fort McMurray.
The province says improvements are planned for courthouses in Edmonton, Sherwood Park, Lethbridge, Drumheller, Fort McMurray, St. Paul, Pincher Creek, Alexis, Canmore and Cochrane.
The work will focus on building access, emergency systems, security technology and areas used for prisoner movement.
Justice Minister Mickey Amery said the upgrades are intended to modernize courthouse security and support the safe delivery of court services.
“Albertans expect courthouses to be safe and secure spaces for everyone who works in, visits or relies on our justice system,” Amery said.
Infrastructure Minister Martin Long said the improvements will also help keep courthouse facilities functional over the long term.
The province says the projects follow recommendations from a 2023 planning study that identified security, health and safety improvements needed at courthouses across Alberta.
Several projects are currently in design or procurement, with construction beginning or advancing during the current fiscal year.
The upgrades are expected to be completed in 2027.
Chief Justice James A. Hunter said courthouse security is essential to ensuring people participating in the justice system can do so without intimidation or threats.
“Courthouses must remain safe and secure areas where participants in the justice system are free of intimidation or threats,” Hunter said.
The province says the work is intended to address identified security risks while improving courthouse operations and safety for court users, staff, judiciary, peace officers and members of the public.
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