Notice Regarding Public and Media Access to Ontario Court of Justice Proceedings during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Revised January 11, 2021
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ontario Court of Justice has introduced new measures to ensure that members of the public and the media continue to have appropriate access to court proceedings and, where possible, court filings, exhibits and audio recordings of court proceedings.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented situation. To help reduce the spread of the virus, courts across the country have restricted in-person public access to courthouses. Proceedings that involve remote appearances have increased. The Ontario Court of Justice recognizes that it is important to uphold the open court principle by ensuring that members of the public can appropriately access, and media representatives can cover, court proceedings.
These measures will remain in place until further notice.
| Access to Court Proceedings |
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In-person attendance at courthouses continues to be significantly restricted. Physical distancing and other health measures will be strictly enforced in each courtroom and throughout the courthouse. More information about the precautionary health and safety measures at 32 Wall Street, POA courthouse is available on the following website: www.leedsgrenville.com.
Many cases will proceed remotely by telephone and/or videoconference either entirely, or in part.
Members of the public and media representatives are strongly encouraged to review the details about the scheduling of proceedings in the Ontario Court of Justice, including Provincial Offences Act matters, here.
The public and the media are welcome to attend court proceedings, but are advised that some limits may apply because of court orders, legislative provisions and technological limitations.
Members of the public and media representatives should take note of the following:
- Attendance and conditions of attendance remain subject to any judicial direction or order.
- Where courthouses are open to the public, public health requirements may limit the number of people who can enter and the conditions of attendance.
- Remote access to court proceedings will presumptively be by audio only.
- Some proceedings are closed to the public by legislation or court order.
- The proceedings may be subject to one or more publication bans. It is the responsibility of members of the public and media representatives who attend court proceedings to educate themselves of the existence of any publication bans and to ensure their compliance of them. Breaching of a publication ban can result in a criminal charge.
- Section 136 of the Courts of Justice Act makes it an offence to take a photograph, or make a video or audio recording, of a court proceeding, unless prior judicial authorization has been granted.
- Audio recording of proceedings is permitted by counsel, paralegals licensed by the Law Society of Ontario, court staff, members of the media, and litigants provided it is done solely for note-taking purposes and the presiding judicial officer has been advised before the recording commences. Audio recording of proceedings is also permitted by members of the public provided it is done solely for note-taking purposes and the express permission of the presiding judicial officer is first obtained. These audio recordings cannot be transmitted. The Court’s Protocol Regarding the Use of Electronic Communication Devices in Court Proceedings remains in effect.
- You must be connected to the hearing not later than 5 minutes prior to the commencement of the proceeding in order to minimize disruption. You must keep your phone or other device on mute during the proceedings.
- Call-in information for a proceeding is to be used only for the purpose of access to the requested proceeding.
To request information for remote hearing access, please contact the courthouse by email at poacourt@uclg.on.ca using the subject line, “Hearing Access Request” and identifying the case you want to attend. Include your name in the request. The telephone number to this location is: 613-342-2357.
If you intend to audio record the proceedings for note-taking purposes, you must include this request in your email.
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Access to Court Dockets
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As a result of recent changes to regular court operations in the Ontario Court of Justice, the Daily Court Lists online service is limited.
Please contact local court staff for information about a matter you believe is ongoing that is not shown on the website.
Media representatives who wish to inquire about the status of a specific proceeding at 1960 court, may contact poacourt@uclg.on.ca.
Please review the Court’s scheduling directives, which provide important information about those matters which are proceeding or subject to adjournments.
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| Access to Court Filings and Exhibits |
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By reason of public health concerns, in-person attendance at the court house is not encouraged. To request access to court filings and exhibits, please email poacourt@uclg.on.ca, preferably by email, using the subject line, “Court Filings/ Exhibits Access Request”.
Existing access policies remain in effect.
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| Access to Audio Recordings of Court Proceedings |
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By reason of public health concerns, in-person attendance at the court house is not encouraged. To request access to audio recordings of court proceedings, please contact the relevant courthouse, preferably by email, using the subject line, “Audio Recording of Proceeding Access Request”. Email contact information for Ontario courthouses is available here and phone numbers are available here.
The existing Policy Regarding Access to Digital Audio Recordings remains in effect.
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Are you interested in trying to reach a resolution with the prosecutor for charge(s)?
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If you are interested in trying to reach a resolution with the prosecutor for this/these charge(s), please call or email the Prosecutor at your earliest convenience.
- 613-342-3848 Ext. 5316 (leave a message and he will call you back) or email.
- If a resolution is agreed to, an Audio Hearing will be booked for this matter at the request of the Prosecutor. The Prosecutor will provide the Trial Coordinator relevant contact information so that audio proceeding telephone number and Conference ID number can be forwarded to the defendant (and/or representative). E.g. email address, telephone number.
- If a resolution has not been reached and/or you do not wish to discuss a resolution – disregard this notice. Your matter will be scheduled at a later date and time. Please keep us informed of any change in address and/or contact information by calling : 613-342-2357.
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If you receive a ticket in Ontario, you are required to pay it through a Provincial Offences office unless you wish to dispute the charges. Common charges under the Provincial Offences Act include:
- Highway Traffic Act Violations (HTA)
such as speeding, careless driving, not wearing seatbelt, or failing to stop at a stop sign
- Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act (CAIA)
such as failing to surrender your insurance card or driving without insurance
- Liquor Licence Act (LLA)
such as being intoxicated in a public place or having open liquor in your vehicle
- Trespass to Property Act (TPA)
such as entering premises where prohibited or failing to leave premises after being directed to do so
- Municipal By-Laws Infractions
such as noise, zoning or parking
- Occupational Health & Safety, Environment, Transportation, Natural Resources, Labour or Finance violations
| NEW** Changes to the Provision of Provincial Offences Act court Transcripts |
| The United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Court Services has adopted a new model for the provision of transcripts for Provincial Offences Act court proceedings to make the process quicker and easier limiting delays and improving customer service.
Under the new model, those requiring transcripts will go to www.leedsgrenville.com. You will access the Transcript Order Form under the Forms and Defendant Guides window. The ordering party will download the Court Transcript Order Form or print, complete it and contact the selected vendor to discuss delivery details, cost and payment of transcription and delivery. The list of vendors and contact information is included on the order form.
We are pleased to offer this streamlined method for ordering court transcripts. For more information visit www.leedsgrenville.com or contact us at 613-342-2357 or poacourt@uclg.on.ca.
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Tickets can be paid at the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville Provincial Offences Office.
It is easier than ever to find information about most tickets and fines under the Provincial Offences Act. You can now go to www.Ontario.ca/ticketsandfines to find out the status of your case or find out how to pay your ticket or fine. You will need the location code and offence number printed in your ticket or notice. If you have been issued a summons, you will also need your case number.
Court Locations
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Brockville Court
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United Counties of Leeds and Grenville
32 Wall Street, Suite 100
Brockville, ON K6V 4R9
directions
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Kemptville Court
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United Counties of Leeds and Grenville
15 Water Street
Kemptville, ON K0G 1J0
There is no administration office at this location. Contact Brockville Provincial Court office if you have questions.
directions
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Court Calendar
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Follow the court calendar link for a listing of hearing types and dates.
| Courtroom Rules |
- Proper attire is required - no shorts, tank tops, halter tops or hats to be worn in the courtoom.
- No chewing gum.
- No food or drinks allowed in the courtroom.
- Electronic communication devices are to be turned off or silenced - audio recording devices may only be used for note-taking purposes if the Justice of the Peace is first notified or gives express permission to do so. There are to be no transmissions of court proceedings. Talking on electronic communication devices is not permitted while court is in session.
- No photos or videos are to be taken without a court order.
- No talking while court is in session.
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Ticket Options
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What are my options if I receive an offence notice (ticket)?
Option 1: Plea of Guilty - voluntary payment
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You are stating that you are guilty and will pay the amount listed in the Total Payable box at the bottom of your ticket.
Payment options
In person
Payment can be made at any Provincial Court location. You may pay by cash, debit card, credit card, cheque, money order or bank draft. The office accepts VISA, MasterCard and American Express. Dishonoured cheques will be subject to an additional fee.
Online
https://ipn.paymentus.com/rotp/uclg
Mail
Send cheque or money order (not cash) payable to United Counties of Leeds and Grenville. Include the ticket number on the payment. It is your responsibility to ensure payment is received by the Court office by the due date or further fees may be added. Dishonoured cheques will be subject to an additional fee.
Phone
Payment can be received 24 hours a day by callling 1-855-973-2583. Provide the ticket number for reference along with your credit card* (VISA or MasterCard) information.
Fax
You may fax your ticket information and credit card* (VISA, MasterCard or American Express) information to the Court office.
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Option 2: Plea of Guilty - submission as to penalty
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If you are pleading guilty but want to ask for a lesser fine amount or more time to pay your fine, you can appear before the Justice of the Peace to plea your case. You must go to the Court office address listed on your ticket under Option 2.
The Justice of the Peace cannot:
- Reduce the charge
- Remove or change demerit points
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Option 3: Trial option
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If you are pleading not guilty, complete information under Option 3. "Request for Trial" can be delivered in person (Court office address found on the ticket), by mail or by submitting it directly to our office using our e-form by clicking the link below. Before sending your request make sure the address listed on the front of the ticket is correct. If it is not write the correct address in the area noted under the signature line.
Notice of Intention to Appear in Court
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Legal Advice
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Court administration staff cannot provide advice when you receive a ticket. Contact a lawyer or paralegal to help you if you cannot decide which ticket option to choose.
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Contact Information
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Brockville
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Provincial Offences Office
United Counties of Leeds and Grenville
32 Wall Street, Suite 100
Brockville, ON K6V 4R9
poacourt@uclg.on.ca
Business: 613-342-2357
Collections: 613-342-3848 ext. 5324
TTY: 613-341-3854
TTY Toll Free: 1-800-539-8685
Fax: 613-342-8891
Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm (holidays excluded)
directions
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Other Offices
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Provincial Court Locations
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Forms and Defendant Guides
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Guide for Defendant in Provincial Offences Cases
Guide to Appeals in Provincial Offences Cases
Forms are fillable and can be forwarded directly to the Provincial Court office or can be printed and presented. If a form requires a signature the defendant can complete it online and send electronically, but they still need to go to the Court office to sign it.
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FAQ
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Why is there a Victim Fine Surcharge added to my fine?
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The Provincial Offences Act requires a "Victim Fine Surcharge" be added to fines. This surcharge is forwarded directly to the Province of Ontario and goes into the Province's Victims' Justice Fund account. This is used to provide services to support victims of crime. The surcharge operates on a sliding scale, depending on the amount of the fine.
Victim Fine Surcharge Chart
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Do you have an accessibility issue?
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If you or someone you represent has a disability and needs assistance to attend Court, please contact the Brockville Court office to make arrangements. This needs to be done at least two months in advance of your Court date.
Assistance can include:
- Assistive listening devices
- Visual language interpretation such as American Sign Language (ASL)
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What happens if I ignore the ticket?
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You have 15 days from when you received the ticket to choose one of the three options. If you do not respond within 15 days, a Justice of the Peace may enter a conviction against you. If this happens additional costs will be added to the total amount owed. If the fine is not paid within the specified time frame, additional charges will be added and steps taken to enforce you to pay.
For example, if you had a speeding ticket, your driver's licence may be suspended. Should this occur, what is owed in total must be paid in full to have your licence reinstated.
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What happens if I don't pay my fine?
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If you don't pay your fine after you are convicted by the due date, it may result in one or more of the following:
- Refusal by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation to issue a vehicle permit
- Driver's license suspension
- An additional administrative fee of $40.00
- Additional collection costs including interest
- Small Claims Court action
- The defaulted fine information is provided to a credit bureau
Payment plans can be arranged if you are contacted by a collections agency. If a payment plan is approved by the Justice of the Peace, it will prevent further enforcement initiatives if the payment plan is adhered to.
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What do the charges mean?
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The Consolidated laws lists all provincial acts. Look up the statute of the offence you have been charged.
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How do I find out the current status of my driving record?
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All driving record information is maintained and administered by the Ministry of Transportation. To receive your driving record abstract, visit the Ministry of Transportation website, select Drivers, Ministry Online Services, then type abstract in the search tool. A link will be provided to request the most recent owner abstract information.
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How many demerit points will I receive with a conviction?
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If you are seeking information regarding the number of demerit points that may be associated with a conviction of the offence with which you are charged, refer to the Government of Ontario's website or call 1-800-387-3445.
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Why are there two amounts on my ticket?
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One amount is the set fine and the second is the total payable. The total payable includes the set fine, court costs and the victim fine surcharge [link]. This total amount is to be paid to the Provincial Offences Court.
The set fine is ordered by the Chief Judge of the Ontario Court of Justice as the amount you must pay instead of attending court to contest the charge. Court costs are an amount you must pay for the service of the ticket and/or summons and upon conviction of an offence. The costs are authorized by Section 60 of the Provincial Offences Act and the amount is set by regulation.
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What do I do when my driver's license is suspended?
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The Provincial Offences Court may choose to suspend a driver's licence for non-payment of a fine. If this happens, you must pay the total amount outstanding at any Court office in Ontario. An enforcement fee will be added to your total.
After payment is made, go to your local Ministry of Transportation office to pay the reinstatement fee. Once this is paid (and there are no other outstanding fines or other reasons for suspension), your licence will be reinstated within 3 to 5 business days.
Some fines are eligible to be paid directly at Service Ontario and reinstated the same day. To see if your fine is eligible, contact the Provincial Court office.
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Why am I notified of my suspension after I have been suspended?
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The Ministry of the Attorney General changed its procedures several years ago, including no longer providing notice of the "pending suspension". It was determined that notice was no longer required because defendants had already been provided with notice of a pending suspension for non-payment of a fine through two methods: a ticket (indicated on the back) and a Notice of Fine and Due Date.
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Do you have a complaint about the Provincial Offences office?
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If you have a complaint concerning administration services, please contact the POA Services Coordinator in writing at the Provincial Court office at the address below.
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Do you have a complaint regarding the Justice of the Peace
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Judicial Conduct
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Summons
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If you receive a summons, you must appear in Court on the date specified.
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Disclosure Relating to Speed Detection Devices
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