The Saint John Trade and Convention Centre being turned into a makeshift courthouse following an electrical fire early Wednesday morning that closed the Peel Plaza Law Courts.
Regional sheriff George Oram says they have two Provincial courts currently sitting and one Queen’s Bench court sitting, and says things seem to be running along fairly smoothly.
Oram says that safety and security is paramount in anything that they do, “you know we’re treating this as it is, it’s a court facility and we’re making sure that it’s a safe and secure environment not only for court staff, judiciary and lawyers but the public alike.”
The fire happened in an area where the batteries are kept in case the building’s power is interrupted. Air quality is being tested to make sure chemicals in the batteries are not in the air. Tests will be done to make sure the air quality is safe for the staff and public. Court appearances for the rest of the week will be held at the Trade and Convention Centre.
