Edmonton, Fort McMurray amongst those to receive courthouse security upgrades in $6 million province-wide initiative

The Alberta Government has announced it is spending over $6 million on security upgrades in 10 courthouses across the province.

In a release, shared on Thursday, the province said the funding will “address identified security risks, improve courthouse operations and help ensure Alberta’s justice system continues to serve communities across the province.”

The 10 courthouse slated to receive upgrades are in Edmonton, Sherwood Park, Lethbridge, Drumheller, Fort McMurray, St. Paul, Pincher Creek, Alexis, Canmore and Cochrane.

The refurbishments include upgrades to building access, emergency systems and security technology as well as prisoner movement areas the government said will ensure improved safety of court attendees, judiciary, staff, peace officers and the wider public.

In 2023, a multi-day power outage brought the Edmonton Law Courts under scrutiny after a temporary evacuation led to multiple hearings being rescheduled. ‘

One criminal defence lawyer called the situation “chaos.”

“Courthouses must remain safe and secure areas where participants in the justice system are free of intimidation or threats,” said Chief Justice, James A. Hunter, highlighting the legal obligation on the province to maintain and modernize security in courthouses in Alberta.

The initiative follows recommendations from a 2023 planning study that pinpointed several safety and security improvements needed at the various courthouses across the province.

The province said much of the work is currently in the design and procurement stages, anticipating construction to begin this fiscal year and completion in 2027.

Martin Long, Minister of Infrastructure, said it is important courthouses are safe and functional because of how essential they are as public facilities.

He said the upgrades will serve Albertans “for years to come.”

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