Elgin County Courthouse/ Palais de Justice Elgin County (2014)

The Elgin County Courthouse has stood as a St. Thomas cultural landmark for more than 150 years. Its restoration and renovation will preserve its historical stature and allow it to continue serving the local and the extended community for many years to come. The new Elgin County Courthouse accommodates both the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice in a single facility. A new addition combines the existing restored heritage courthouse and Land Registry Office Building into one modern courthouse complex with state-of-the-art technology, security, energy efficiency and barrier-free accessibility., Heritage restoration is an important part the Elgin County Courthouse. The exterior façade, including the dome and copper roof, masonry and sculptural detailing, have all been restored. The main entrance continues to be the courthouse's focal point, balanced by the addition of two three-storey wings which mimic the symmetry and elevation of original architect John Turner's design. Inside the courthouse, original decorative plaster trim, wood wainscoting, doors, window trim and finishes have been preserved, along with the existing heritage courtroom, its furniture and fittings, stained glass dome, artwork and commemorative windows., The renewal of the Elgin County Courthouse exemplifies the Province of Ontario's commitment to preserving heritage buildings through adaptive reuse, restoration and expansion, and embodies a modern judicial system rooted in tradition.,