Small changes at the courthouse are a first start on a taxed system
Maria Canton
Northern News Services
Yellowknife (Feb 02/01) - Renovations are under way at the Yellowknife courthouse, freeing up at least one much-needed room for bail and show-cause hearings.
Last week's start of the anticipated re-modelling was fuelled by what Jim Posynick, president of the Canadian Bar Association NWT branch, calls unsatisfactory working conditions.
"The recent renovations got under way as a result of a totally unacceptable practice that was going on," said Posynick.
"We have been holding bail hearings and show-cause hearings at the police station. One very obvious problem with that is there is little to no privacy between the lawyer and the client."
In order to combat the growing problem, the Sheriff's office and administration, which has traditionally occupied office space on the main floor of the courthouse, have been moved to the second and third floors respectively.
They are now "temporarily" squeezed in among the court workers and court services cubicles while the main floor office are being renovated to hold hearings.
"This is certainly the start of much needed renovations," said Posynick.
To further remedy the problems, a joint-committee was recently struck between the Canadian Bar Association NWT branch and the local Law Society.
Currently their efforts are focused on examining the facilities. Terms of reference and a program for change have been established.
The committee is a direct result of constant observations and comments from Bar members, clients, justice workers, the RCMP and members of the public about the insufficiencies of the six-storey courthouse.
"On a typical juror selection day there can be anywhere from 150-200 people passing through one courtroom on the second floor," said Posynick.
The building is served by three courtrooms, two on the second floor and one on the third.
The main floor hosts the law library, the soon-to-be bail and show-cause room and a large lobby area. Territorial court is on the second floor, court services on the third and the Department of Justice occupies the fourth, fifth and sixth floors.
Further adding to already crowded facilities are the frequent court appearances of those arrested in the RCMP's Operation Guiness drug bust last November.
Regular court dockets have ballooned from seven or eight pages to 20 and 21 pages.
Posynick says a firm date isn't set for other renovations to begin.
