The Alberta government is investing more than $6 million in security upgrades at 10 courthouses across the province, including facilities in Cochrane and Canmore near Calgary.
The province announced the investment on Thursday, October 22. Planned improvements include more secure building access, updated emergency systems and security technology, and changes to areas used for prisoner movement.
The work is intended to improve safety for people attending court, judicial officials, staff, peace officers and other members of the public.
Ten courthouses included
The locations receiving upgrades are Edmonton, Sherwood Park, Lethbridge, Drumheller, Fort McMurray, St. Paul, Pincher Creek, Alexis, Canmore and Cochrane.
While Cochrane and Canmore are included in the funding announcement, Calgary's main courthouse is not among the 10 listed locations. The province has not disclosed how much of the total budget will be allocated to each courthouse or identified a detailed construction scope for each community.
The announcement does not suggest that all of the identified risks or security changes are identical at every facility.
Projects expected to finish in 2027
The province says the initiative follows a 2023 planning study that identified security, health and safety improvements needed in courthouses around Alberta.
Several projects remain in design or procurement. The government says construction is beginning or advancing during the current fiscal year, with the full package of improvements anticipated to be completed in 2027.
Justice Minister Mickey Amery said the investment is intended to modernize courthouse security and support safe delivery of court services. Infrastructure Minister Martin Long said the improvements will help keep the buildings safe and functional over the long term.
Chief Justice James A. Hunter also stressed the importance of courthouse security so participants in the justice system can attend proceedings without intimidation or threats.
The provincial release does not include site-by-site construction dates or specific information about potential disruptions to court operations. Those details would require a subsequent announcement from the province or individual court locations.