Niagara Region is marking 25 years of running Provincial Offences Court services.
Since taking over responsibility from the province in 2001, Niagara has modernized its court system, including opening a fully accessible courthouse in Welland and becoming the first court service in Ontario to launch virtual trials during the pandemic.
The court handles non-criminal offences such as speeding, careless driving and liquor violations.
Officials say the service is self-funded through fine revenue, with a portion of any surplus shared among Niagara's 12 local municipalities.
(Written by: Brandon Warby)