The infrastructure changes will enhance emergency systems and improve safety for court users
The Alberta government has injected over $6 million into infrastructure upgrades at the Edmonton, Sherwood Park, Lethbridge, Drumheller, Fort McMurray, St. Paul, Pincher Creek, Alexis, Canmore, and Cochrane courthouses.
The enhancements focus on improving safety for court users by bolstering building access, emergency systems, security technology, and prisoner movement areas. The improvement initiative follows recommendations from a 2023 planning study that flagged the need for security and health and safety upgrades at courthouses.
“Courthouses must remain safe and secure areas where participants in the justice system are free of intimidation or threats. Consequently, courthouse security is essential to the rule of law. This investment in modern security measures will help ensure our courts remain safe, accessible and focused on their essential role in delivering justice,” said James A. Hunter, Alberta’s chief justice, in a statement.
The improvements are set to be finished next year. The provincial government indicated that a number of security projects are presently in the design and procurement stages; construction will commence or progress within the current fiscal year.
Alberta infrastructure minister Martin Long described courthouses as “essential public facilities that support Alberta’s justice system.”
“Albertans expect courthouses to be safe and secure spaces for everyone who works in, visits or relies on our justice system. These investments will help modernize security infrastructure and support the safe delivery of court services across the province,” said Mickey Amery, Alberta’s justice minister and attorney general, in a government press release.
Last month, the British Columbia Supreme Court incorporated into its 2026–31 strategic plan its intent to improve its facilities, infrastructure, and systems in collaboration with the provincial government. The court’s plans included improving technological infrastructure like Court Services Online, the Civil Electronic Information System, and JUSTIN; moreover, it revealed its intent to update courtrooms to support virtual, hybrid, and in-person hearings with digital documents and evidence.
The BC Supreme Court also revealed it planned to modernize and expand courthouse facilities for safety and accessibility in addition to bolstering inclusivity for lawyers, litigants, and the public.
Meanwhile, the Nova Scotia government announced in August that it had begun work to implement the Provincial Court of Nova Scotia’s new electronic filing and digital document management system. The system is set to be completely integrated by fall 2027.
