The county courthouse addition will be “a compact economical structure” whose visual effects will not detract from the existing heritage buildings on Zina Street, a representative of Parkin Architects told county council’s last session.

The approximately $6.2 million is being paid for largely by a $5.4-million federal stimulus grant announced last fall by MP David Tilson.

It will have brickwork and stonework designed to tie in with the present courthouse and the 19thcentury registry office that’s now occupied by Public Works, but will be separated from that building by a walkway.

Chief Building Official Mike Giles, responding to Amaranth Mayor Don MacIver’s concern for security on the walkway, said Ontario Heritage wanted it there to separate the new building from the old.

The one oddity about the new structure might be the design of its windows facing Zina. Although those of the former registry office are arched, the ones of the addition will be rectangular.

When questioned about the design by Mulmur Mayor Gord Montgomery, Parkin’s Mark Driscoll said Ontario Heritage “wanted the contrast. Also, square windows are more economical.”

From the gallery, Honeywood-area resident Carl Cosack said he noted that the building is missing “a green roof.”

But the architect said he couldn’t “make an economical case for solar panels.”

As well, he said, the new structure is “heavily insulated.”

According to the conceptual presentation to council, the Zina Street front will be well treed when completed. “Landscaping is important,” Mr. Driscoll said.

As previously reported, the county had a choice of building the addition or losing the Provincial Offences court (POA), as the Ministry of Attorney General had demanded it take back space now occupied by the POA.

As well, the ministry had demanded a secure sally port for prisoners, which could not have been provided in the current courthouse.

In the new building, vehicles transporting prisoners will use an Elizabeth Street entrance, and prisoners will be escorted through a secure corridor to the cells, hence securely to the courtroom.

There are also secure passageways to the courtrooms for the judiciary.

The court facilities will be at ground level, with county offices above. Included in the county offices, Public Works will move from the heritage registry building but it appears uncertain what the heritage building will be used for.