The new Red Deer Justice Centre is officially open, promising quicker resolutions to legal matters and improved access to justice for Albertans in central Alberta.
The Government of Alberta has invested $191 million into the state-of-the-art facility, which significantly expands local courthouse capacity. The centre increases the number of courtrooms in Red Deer from eight to 12, providing space for more cases to be heard at the same time.
“Modern, accessible courthouses and streamlined services not only strengthen our justice system — they build safer, stronger communities across the province,” said Justice Minister and Attorney General Mickey Amery. “Investing in the new Red Deer Justice Centre is vital to helping our justice system operate more efficiently, and will give people in Red Deer and across central Alberta better access to justice.”
The 312,000-square-foot facility replaces the city’s aging 98,780-square-foot courthouse and began operating on March 3. It features 12 fully equipped courtrooms, including remote video-conferencing technology for witnesses who are unable to attend in person. Vulnerable witnesses are also able to testify from outside the courtroom.
The building also includes new spaces dedicated to alternative dispute resolution, including three suites for judicial dispute resolution, a separate suite for family and civil mediation, and a new Indigenous courtroom designed with traditional considerations in mind — including specialized ventilation to support smudging ceremonies.
“We are very excited about this new courthouse for central Alberta,” said Ritu Khullar, Chief Justice of Alberta. “Investing in the places where people seek justice shows respect for the rights of all Albertans. The Red Deer Justice Centre fills a significant infrastructure need for this rapidly growing part of the province. It is also an important symbol of the rule of law, meaning that none of us are above the law, and there is an independent judiciary to decide disputes. This is essential for a healthy functioning democracy.”
The project is also seen as a step toward improving public safety and reducing case backlogs.
“Public safety and access to justice go hand in hand,” said Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services. “With this investment in the new Red Deer Justice Centre, Alberta’s government is ensuring that communities are safer, legal matters are resolved more efficiently and all Albertans get the support they need.”
Martin Long, Minister of Infrastructure, praised the collaborative work that brought the project to life.
“This state-of-the-art facility will serve the people of Red Deer and surrounding communities for generations,” said Long. “Our team at Infrastructure is incredibly proud of the work done to plan, design and build this project. I want to thank everyone, at all levels, who helped make this project a reality.”
The Red Deer Justice Centre is part of a broader push by the province to modernize public infrastructure, which the government says will support growing communities and strengthen core services.
The project was funded through Budget 2025, which includes additional investments in health care, education and economic development.
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