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WEST BANFF COURTHOUSE SHUTTERED were moved to Canmore but for a few scheduled hearings. Its doors were sched- uled to completely shut by February 28. The Canmore courthouse is 22 kilo- O metres east of Banff and some crim- inal lawyers who practise in the Bow Valley district, including Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise, and Kananaskis, believe this relocation could result in more failures to appear and affect access to justice. Tyson Dahlem, a criminal lawyer with Dunn & McKay, says because some accused persons might not be able to afford to or physically make the trip to Canmore, there could be an increase in failures to appear. "When there are more failures to appear, then there will be more warrants issued for these people's arrests, which will cause extra work and cost more money for the justice system." Dahlem says the closure will also result in the amount of court time available in the Bow Valley district being cut in half. "In the Canmore courthouse, there are only six days per month in which compli- cated trials for major offences like arson and drugs that can be booked. Currently, there is no court time in Canmore avail- able for complicated trials for 2011. This will inevitably result in major delays for trials for some people, which could affect their right to a speedy trial." However, Alberta Justice says the court in Canmore has the time and space to hear all of the matters from Banff and the number of sittings in Canmore will increase by six trial days per year. Julie Siddons, a public affairs officer with Alberta Justice, says stakeholders were consulted prior to the decision to close the Banff courthouse. "The closure of the Banff courthouse and subsequent move of all Banff matters to the Canmore courthouse was supported by the mayor of Banff and Chief Justice of the Provincial Court Gail Vickery." Siddons says cost savings and secur- ity were the reasons for the closure. "The OMSD - 1/2 Island.indd 1 n Dec. 21, 2010, the Banff court- house was officially closed. All regular court sittings for Banff office space for the Banff courthouse was being leased by the government for $175,000 per year. The government owns the Canmore courthouse and therefore has more control over the security provi- sions of this courthouse. . . ." Siddons says Alberta Justice is cer- tainly willing to address any fallout con- cerns that might arise as a result of this permanent closure. — DIANE L.M. COOK dianecook@shaw.ca The Ontario Municipal Service Directory: A Comprehensive Guide for Real Estate Professionals, 2011 All the municipal services information you need for real estate searches under one cover This handy resource helps you process your real estate transactions more efficiently, saving you time and energy. Published annually, The Ontario Municipal Service Directory: A Comprehensive Guide for Real Estate Professionals, 2011 gives you up-to-date and easily accessible municipal contact information. It includes: • contact information for each municipality • municipal addresses, telephone/fax numbers and email addresses • all registry offices' contact and clearances information • addresses, telephone numbers for conveyancers and/or solicitors • list of clearances including: Tax certificates, water arrears, outstanding work orders and zoning compliance • sheriffs' office addresses and telephone numbers It also includes contact information for various other searches including: • fire safety inspections • utilities • septic disposal system clearances • conservation authorities • municipality-specific listings for Ontario government ministries responsible for land use planning issues, assessments and the Landlord and Tenant Board … and more ORDER your copy today! Perfectbound • March 2011 • One time purchase • $89 • P/C 0517010999 On subscription • $84 • P/C 0517140999 • ISSN 1206-694X For a 30-day, no-risk evaluation call: 1.800.565.6967 Canada Law Book, a Thomson Reuters business. Prices subject to change without notice, to applicable taxes and shipping & handling. www.CANADIAN Lawyermag.com M A RCH 2011 9 2/14/11 1:36:32 PM W ith Introduction and H by Michael L. Y istorical Linkages oung, LL.B.