MP David Tilson & Dufferin County celebrates the expansion of its historic courthouse

ORANGEVILLE, ONTARIO – Government representatives gathered today to celebrate the completion of the expansion of the historic Dufferin County courthouse, thanks to infrastructure funding provided the governments of Canada and Ontario to boost the local economy.

“Our government is proud to have invested in this historic landmark,” said David Tilson, Member of Parliament for Dufferin − Caledon.“Canada’s Economic Action Plan is delivering results for Ontarians, creating local jobs and economic growth, while enabling an important part of our community history to continue serving Dufferin County.”

“Ontario is investing in strategic infrastructure projects, such as the expansion of the historic Dufferin County courthouse, to build stronger communities, create jobs and stimulate the economy,” said Linda Jeffrey, Member of Provincial Parliament for Brampton-Springdale. “The expansion of the courthouse will provide valuable services and will enhance the quality of life in this community for years to come.”

“I’m pleased to see the results of three levels of government working together to enhance a significant historical building in our County. This project is a perfect example of historic and modern architecture working in harmony and the Dufferin County Council is very proud of the building addition. We are looking forward to serving the residents of Dufferin in this new and exciting space.” said County Warden Walter Kolodziechuk.

Built in 1880-81, the two-storey courthouse and municipal office include a former jail complex (closed in 1978) and jailor’s residence which have housed County administrative staff for 131 years.  In 1973, an addition was added to house the Health Unit and then in 1986, in partnership with the Province of Ontario, additional courts were added.  The latest addition houses Provincial Offences staff, two courtrooms and County municipal staff. A secure underground prisoner transfer area was also added, and the additional building meets accessibility standards and is more energy efficient.

The governments of Canada and Ontario contributed $2.7 million each toward eligible project costs through the Infrastructure Stimulus Fund. The County of Dufferin contributed the remaining balance of the total project cost of approximately $9 million.

The Government of Canada has engaged provinces, territories, municipalities and key stakeholders in a series of roundtables to guide the development of a new long-term infrastructure plan that will support job creation, economic growth and prosperity.  We have heard that we are on the right track: there is a need for strong, sustained investment and we must continue to work together moving forward.  To improve infrastructure across Canada and ensure affordability and sustainability over the long term, our new plan will encourage greater use of public-private partnerships. This will help leverage new investments in infrastructure, while respecting the capacity of Canadian taxpayers.

This project also supports Building Together, the Government of Ontario’s long-term infrastructure plan to repair, rebuild and renew the province’s roads and highways, bridges, public transit, schools and postsecondary institutions, hospitals and courthouses. Through Building Together, Ontario plans to invest more than $35 billion over the next three years to create or preserve over 100,000 jobs on average each year. Infrastructure investments create high-quality employment, support economic growth and helps make Ontario’s economy more productive.