The
Provincial Offences Courthouse at 445 East Main St. in Welland is open to the
public for counter service only. A face coverings must
be worn when entering the courthouse, as per Niagara Region bylaw
(2020-46).
A surgical face mask will be provided to you upon entry and must be worn at all
times during your visit, as per the guidelines set forth by the Ministry of the
Attorney General.
Don't
visit the courthouse if you're not feeling well or experiencing any COVID-19 signs or symptoms. A maximum of
six visitors will be permitted in the building at one time and all
visitors are required to complete COVID-19 screening prior to entry. There may
be line-ups as a result.
We
encourage you to continue to access court services online where
possible. Fines can be paid by phone and online. Requests for trial or early resolution can also be submitted
online. For more information visit our frequently asked questions or call
905-687-6590.
By
order of the Chief Justice of Ontario, all in-person trial matters
are adjourned.
Early
resolution meetings and some remote court matters are occurring by telephone.
If you have requested an early resolution meeting or have been scheduled for a
remote court matter, you will be notified of a date and time to call in for
your meeting. On your scheduled date and
time, call 1-855-249-4327 to speak with a prosecutor. Failure to call in for
your scheduled meeting on the date and time as indicated in your notice may
result in a conviction being registered against you in your absence.
Effective
April 12, 2021, some virtual trial matters are occurring by video through Zoom.
All participants must review the Zoom Virtual Courtroom information prior to their matter.
Please sign in to your Zoom meeting 10 minutes before your court matter to
ensure you are ready when your matter is called. Please refer to the Online
Services section of our website or contact trialcoordinator@niagararegion.ca for more information on
how to participate in a virtual Zoom video trial.
Notification
of remote court matters or rescheduled matters will be provided by regular mail
or the email address on file with the court. If you have moved or changed your
contact information, provide your updated information to the Provincial
Offences Court at POAinfo@niagararegion.ca or 905-687-6590.
The
Ontario Court of Justice will accept electronically signed documents where a
signature is required. An electronic signature consists of electronic
information that identifies the signatory and the date and place of signing.
For example, you may type your name as your signature.
