York Region Law Association - Newmarket OCJ Update June 29, 2020

Newmarket OCJ Update June 29, 2020

29 Jun 2020 9:49 AM | York Region Law Association (Administrator)

Courthouse and Courtroom Adjustments For Commencing Operations

Monday July 6, 2020 will see the Newmarket Courthouse commence a limited reopening to proceedings and operations as it enters Phase 1. There will be 5 courtrooms in the Courthouse modified and euipped with mitigation efforts, including significant portions of plexiglass and sanitizer stations. Those courtrooms are 102, 203, 204, 401 402.

Floor signage and hand sanitizers have been placed throughout the Courthouse and in courtrooms. The public elevator will have floor makings for those waiting, and suggested capacity of 2 persons at a time if not masked, and 3 if masked. The Courthouse will provide 1 day porter/cleaner per open courtroom to facilitate courtroom door and surface cleaning.

Courthouse Entrance Screening

While this issue, like so much else, is still being considered, the initial process will involve entrance screening of all persons, both public and participants, prior to entering the Courthouse, with a minimum of screening type questions being asked.

There is no clear direction as to the requirement to wear masks. While masks will be offered to all, for those persons required to attend court, the general belief at this point is that masks cannot be required, and only offered, as those persons are not voluntary entrants. For those who will not mask for whatever reason, they may be placed in a separate waiting area somewhere while the matter is brought to the attention of the relevant jurist to be addressed and dealt.

No Separate Entrance For Counsel/Staff

At this time, counsel and staff will need to enter by the same entrance as the general public. Jurists will be made aware that same may result in counsel being "late" for appearances and to expect same. It is expected that counsel once screened, would receive a day pass.

Courtroom Plexiglass

There have been concerns raised with respect to height and location of plexiglass within the courtrooms installed for health and safety. In particular, gaps between sections of plexiglass, the height of and absence of same in areas of the courtrooms may be issues to be addressed going forward.

Further Tour

I anticipate attending another tour of the Courthouse and courtrooms wirh a small group sometime this week and prior to the "re-open" on Monday July 6, 2020.

HVAC And Air Quality

With respect to air quality and HVAC isssues, Infrastructure Ontario and CBRE are conducting province wide reports for all.courthouses across the Province prior to July 6, 2020. Newmarket is anticipated to its assessment done today or tomorrow.

Courtroom "Water"

There will not be the traditional water jugs and cups available for participants given touch point issues. Instead, courtrooms will be equipped when courts in session, with water bottles. Counsel will be permitted to bring an "appropriate " or "dignified " bottle of water into courtrooms and jurists will be asked to relax the normal rules of decorum.

Phase 1 Re-opening - Trial/Prelim Confirmation and In Custody Appearances

As on Monday's Phase 1 reopening, there will be 3 operating trial courts. In custody persons will only be coming in person for trials and preliminary hearings. For all other appearances in custody persons will continue to appear remotely.

A confirmation/admin court will sit on Mondays and will start today. That court will address all trial matters scheduled for the following week. Phase 2 will add an additional 3 trial courts.

Crown Assignments Week of June 29, 2020

Monday June 29

202P – Brad

Bradley.Juriansz@ontario.ca

200 Court (judge) – Philip

Philip.Hsiung@ontario.ca

201 Court (judge) – Tony

Tony.VandenEnde@ontario.ca

103 Bails – Samantha

Samantha.Peterson2@ontario.ca

104 Bails – Ivana

Ivana.Denisov@ontario.ca