TORONTO - Plans to build the new Waterloo Region Consolidated Courthouse reached a significant milestone today with the release of a request for qualifications (RFQ) to design, build, finance and maintain the facility.

The new facility will consolidate the Superior Court of Justice and Ontario Court of Justice   currently operating in three locations across the Waterloo Region.  Consolidating local courthouses has many benefits to court users and the community, including reduced costs and more effective use of resources.

The RFQ is the first step in the process to select a consortium to design, build, finance and maintain the new facility.

“Our government is making much-needed improvements to Ontario's infrastructure at an unprecedented rate,” said David Caplan, Minister of Public Infrastructure Renewal. “This project is part of ReNew Ontario, the McGuinty government's $30-billion plus infrastructure investment plan to modernize public infrastructure while ensuring value for taxpayer dollars.”

“We are moving forward to create a more modern, effective and accessible justice system for the people of the Regional Municipality of Waterloo,” said Attorney General Chris Bentley. “By investing in infrastructure, the McGuinty government is helping to ensure that first class facilities and services are available to all Ontarians.”  

“This is a sign of the government's commitment to our community,” said Kitchener Centre MPP John Milloy. “The Waterloo Region Consolidated Courthouse project will spur economic development that will benefit everyone in the region.” 

RFQ submissions will be reviewed to pre-qualify project teams with the design, construction and facilities management experience, the qualified personnel and the financial strength to deliver a project of this size and complexity. Pre-qualified teams will be invited to respond to a request for proposals (RFP) to design, build, finance and maintain the new facility, which is expected to be released in late 2008. 

Infrastructure Ontario is working with the Ministry of the Attorney General to develop the facility. Infrastructure Ontario is a Crown corporation dedicated to managing some of the province's larger and more complex infrastructure renewal projects - ensuring they are built on time and on budget. 

This project is guided by principles outlined in the province's Building a Better Tomorrow framework, which ensures public ownership of core assets such as hospitals, schools, and water and wastewater facilities.

Visit www.infrastructureontario.ca for more information. 

Contacts: 

Amy Tang
Minister's Office
Public Infrastructure Renewal
416-325-4048 

Jennifer Sclisizzi 
Infrastructure Ontario 
416-325-7409 
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