City Council on May 5 and 6, 2021, adopted Item MM32.10 , titled “ Accessing Justice - New Toronto Courthouses.” The soon to be opened Ontario Court of Justice Toronto courthouse at 11 Centre Street will consolidate smaller neighbourhood court locations in Toronto under one roof. The closure of local courts will have negative impact for communities across Toronto. The loss of local courthouses will marginalize those who are trying to access justice — result in an economic loss for small businesses in the surrounding area — and exacerbate security concerns at the new centralized location. Local courthouses are a vital part of our city and its surrounding communities. It is understood that court services at 2201 Finch Avenue West have already moved and that the 2201 Finch Avenue West location will operate as a bail hearing office. All downtown courthouses (including those located at Old City Hall) have already moved, or are in position to move, into 11 Centre Avenue. The neighbourhood courthouse at 1000 Finch Avenue West (in North York) is scheduled to move April 14-17, 2023 and the court house at 1911 Eglinton Avenue East (located in Scarborough) is scheduled to move May 5-8, 2023. It is the objective of this motion to ask that the closing of these locations be paused until the capacity issues at the new Toronto courthouse have been determined and further consultation with the local Councillors and other stakeholders takes place.
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