About Trial Readiness Courts
(Originally published as section 1(c) of the Notice to the Profession and the Public re: Resumption of Criminal Trials and Preliminary Hearings in the Ontario Court of Justice as of July 6, 2020 (published June 17, 2020))
Unless otherwise directed by the Regional Senior Judge and until further notice, all cases currently scheduled for a trial or preliminary inquiry will be spoken to approximately one week before the scheduled hearing date before a judge presiding in a special COVID-19 Trial Readiness Court. The purposes of the Trial Readiness Courts are:
(i) to confirm that trials or preliminary inquiries are ready to proceed on their hearing date; and
(ii) to assign cases into courtrooms that are open and operating.
Unless otherwise directed by the Regional Senior Justice, cases will appear in Trial Readiness Court the Monday before the week of the scheduled trial or preliminary inquiry. Where the Monday is a holiday, Trial Readiness Court will be held on Tuesday. For example, matters scheduled for trial or a preliminary inquiry during the week of July 6 – 10 will be addressed in the Trial Readiness Court scheduled for Monday, June 29. Matters scheduled for trial or preliminary inquiry the week of July 13 – 17 will be addressed in the trial readiness court scheduled for Monday, July 6.
For details about the Trial Readiness Court in each court location, including scheduling information, see Ontario Court of Justice Trial Readiness Court.
All appearances in Trial Readiness Court will be by audioconference or videoconference, unless otherwise directed by a judge.
Accused persons who are represented by counsel do not need to be present for the Trial Readiness Court.
All counsel who speak to matters in Trial Readiness Court must be fully informed about the case and have authority to make binding decisions regarding the conduct of the case.
Accused persons who are not represented by counsel are to attend Trial Readiness Court by audioconference, or videoconference where applicable, to speak to their matter.
There is no need for counsel or accused persons to file a “bring forward” request or application to have their case addressed.
The Court expects the Crown and defence counsel will have communicated before Trial Readiness Court to identify and discuss any issues that may affect the scheduling or conduct of the hearing including, but not limited to:
- whether, and on what basis, a party may be bringing an application to adjourn the case at the trial readiness court appearance;
- any witnesses or parties who may be unable to attend court due to health concerns, public health orders or COVID-19 symptoms or other issues;
- whether any portion of the hearing (including any witness testimony) will be conducted using remote technology.
The judge presiding in Trial Readiness Court may hear and determine any application(s) regarding the scheduling or conduct of the hearing that the judge is satisfied should be determined in advance of the trial or preliminary inquiry date. The judge presiding in Trial Readiness Court will not hear applications that are reserved to the trial judge or in respect of a continuing trial or preliminary inquiry with which a different judge is seized.
Where the parties indicate a matter is going to resolve, the matter will be scheduled into a resolution court on or before the scheduled trial or preliminary inquiry date, where feasible.
Trial Readiness Courts – Scheduling and Connection Details
**Except as otherwise specified below, cases will be spoken to in trial readiness court the Monday before the week in which the case is scheduled for a trial or preliminary inquiry. Where Monday is a holiday, trial readiness court is held on Tuesday. For example, trials and preliminary inquiries scheduled for the week of July 6 to 10 will be spoken to in trial readiness court on Monday, June 29. Matters scheduled for trial or preliminary inquiry the week of July 13 – 17 will be addressed in the trial readiness court scheduled for Monday, July 6.
Central East Region
Barrie
| No formal trial readiness court – trial readiness will be canvassed in individual cases by the Local Administrative Judge or designate, as appropriate. |
Bracebridge
| Court date: Tuesday of the week before Court time: 9 am (all matters) |
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| Join by video or telephone using Zoom | |||
| Joining by video | |||
| https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/62640378356?pwd=eThQcHg5WE1xdVlPRUdBeEphSVQwQT09 | |||
| or | https://zoom.us/join | Meeting ID: 626 4037 8356 | Passcode: 185868 |
| Joining by telephone | |||
| 1-855-703-8985 toll free | Meeting ID: 626 4037 8356 | Passcode: 185868 | |
Bradford
| Court date: Thursday two weeks before Court time: 9 am (all matters) |
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| Join by video or telephone using Zoom | |||
| Joining by video | |||
| https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/63597527322?pwd=Nm4wd3Byc1JwOTluUndRTVY5M1o0Zz09 | |||
| or | https://zoom.us/join | Meeting ID: 635 9752 7322 | Passcode: 332611 |
| Joining by telephone | |||
| 1-855-703-8985 toll free | Meeting ID: 635 9752 7322 | Passcode: 332611 | |
Cobourg
| Court date: Tuesday of the week before Court time: 9 am (all matters) |
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| Join by video or telephone using Zoom | |||
| Joining by video | |||
| https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/69472190312?pwd=Z0VZUjFybnJkSVJnNGRNMmtHZXRqdz09 | |||
| or | https://zoom.us/join | Meeting ID: 694 7219 0312 | Passcode: 459301 |
| Joining by telephone | |||
| 1-855-703-8985 toll free | Meeting ID: 694 7219 0312 | Passcode: 459301 | |
Lindsay
| Court date: Tuesday of the week before Court time: 9 am (all matters) |
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| Join by video or telephone using Zoom | |||
| Joining by video | |||
| https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/69472190312?pwd=Z0VZUjFybnJkSVJnNGRNMmtHZXRqdz09 | |||
| or | https://zoom.us/join | Meeting ID: 694 7219 0312 | Passcode: 459301 |
| Joining by telephone | |||
| 1-855-703-8985 toll free | Meeting ID: 694 7219 0312 | Passcode: 459301 | |
Newmarket
| Court date: Monday of the week before Schedule: Tiered list based on date of trial / preliminary inquiry |
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| 9 am | Monday | |||
| 10:30 am | Tuesday | |||
| 11:45 am | Wednesday | |||
| 2:00 pm | Thursday | |||
| 3:30 pm | Friday | |||
| Joining by telephone | ||||
| Audioconference: 1-866-633-0848, Conference ID# 5700492 | ||||
Orillia
| No formal trial readiness court – trial readiness will be canvassed in individual cases by the Local Administrative Judge or designate, as appropriate. |
Oshawa (Durham)
| No formal trial readiness court – trial readiness will be canvassed in individual cases by the Local Administrative Judge or designate, as appropriate. |
Peterborough
| Court date: Tuesday of the week before Court time: 9 am (all matters) |
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| Join by video or telephone using Zoom | |||
| Joining by video | |||
| https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/69472190312?pwd=Z0VZUjFybnJkSVJnNGRNMmtHZXRqdz09 | |||
| or | https://zoom.us/join | Meeting ID: 694 7219 0312 | Passcode: 459301 |
| Joining by telephone | |||
| 1-855-703-8985 toll free | Meeting ID: 694 7219 0312 | Passcode: 459301 | |
Central West Region
Brampton
| Court date: Monday of the week before Schedule: Tiered list based on date of trial / preliminary inquiry the following week |
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| 9 am | Monday | |||
| 10:30 am | Tuesday | |||
| 12 noon | Self represented with trial or preliminary inquiry starting any day (Monday to Friday) the following week. | |||
| 1:30 pm | Wednesday | |||
| 3 pm | Thursday or Friday | |||
| Join by video or telephone using Zoom | ||||
| Joining by video | ||||
| https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/65938982880?pwd=RlhpKzVwN2pPN3o5bmhZSXlkSnc4QT09 | ||||
| or | https://zoom.us/join | Meeting ID: 659 3898 2880 | Passcode: 804548 | |
| Joining by telephone | ||||
| 1-855-703-8985 toll free | Meeting ID: 659 3898 2880 | Passcode: 804548 | ||
Brantford
| No formal trial readiness court – trial readiness will be canvassed in individual cases by the Local Administrative Judge or designate, as appropriate. |
Burlington
| Court date: Wednesday of the week before Court time: 2:15 pm (all matters) |
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| Join by video or telephone using Zoom | |||
| Joining by video | |||
| https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/62714951146?pwd=Q3hJQUg5K09hblRsMm1GSTIrMExLUT09 | |||
| or | https://zoom.us/join | Meeting ID: 627 1495 1146 | Passcode: 234927 |
| Joining by telephone | |||
| 1-855-703-8985 toll free | Meeting ID: 627 1495 1146 | Passcode: 234927 | |
Cayuga
| No formal trial readiness court – trial readiness will be canvassed in individual cases by the Local Administrative Judge or designate, as appropriate. |
Hamilton
| Court date: Monday of the week before Court time: 10 am (all matters) |
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| Join by video or telephone using Zoom | |||
| Joining by video | |||
| https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/64165060725?pwd=R3I0Q2lsUHF3Yzd2WEdFRE8yejlNUT09 | |||
| or https://zoom.us/join | Meeting ID: 641 6506 0725 | Passcode: 091652 | |
| Joining by telephone (audioconference) | |||
| 1-855-703-8985 toll free | Meeting ID: 641 6506 0725 | Passcode: 091652 | |
Milton
| Court date: Wednesday of the week before Court time: 2:15 pm (all matters) |
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| Join by video or telephone using Zoom | |||
| Joining by video | |||
| https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/62714951146?pwd=Q3hJQUg5K09hblRsMm1GSTIrMExLUT09 | |||
| or | https://zoom.us/join | Meeting ID: 627 1495 1146 | Passcode: 234927 |
| Joining by telephone | |||
| 1-855-703-8985 toll free | Meeting ID: 627 1495 1146 | Passcode: 234927 | |
Orangeville
| Court date: Monday of the week before Court time: 2:15 pm Audioconference: 1-866-633-0848, Conference ID# 2822406 |
St. Catharines
| No formal trial readiness court – trial readiness will be canvassed in individual cases by the Local Administrative Judge or designate, as appropriate. |
Simcoe
| Court date: Last Thursday of the month before Court time: 9:30 am |
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| Join by video or telephone using Zoom | |||
| Joining by video | |||
| https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/61536542252?pwd=cmhTUzdjSStVQVNCei9yQzNYOG5NQT09 | |||
| or | https://zoom.us/join | Meeting ID: 615 3654 2252 | Passcode: 746778 |
| Joining by telephone | |||
| 1-855-703-8985 toll free | Meeting ID: 615 3654 2252 | Passcode: 746778 | |
Welland
| No formal trial readiness court – trial readiness will be canvassed in individual cases by the Local Administrative Judge or designate, as appropriate. |
East Region
Alexandria
| No formal trial readiness court – trial readiness will be canvassed in individual cases by the Local Administrative Judge or designate, as appropriate. |
Belleville (Quinte)
| No formal trial readiness court – trial readiness will be canvassed in individual cases by the Local Administrative Judge or designate, as appropriate. |
Brockville
| Court date: Tuesday of the week before Court time: 2 pm (all matters) Please contact the courthouse to obtain connection information for the trial readiness court. |
Cornwall
| No formal trial readiness court – trial readiness will be canvassed in individual cases by the Local Administrative Judge or designate, as appropriate. |
Kingston
| Court date: Monday of the week before Schedule: Tiered list based on date of trial / preliminary inquiry |
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| 9 am | Monday and all cases with self-represented accused | |||
| 10 am | Tuesday | |||
| 11 am | Wednesday | |||
| 1 pm | Thursday | |||
| 2 pm | Friday | |||
| Join by video or telephone using Zoom | ||||
| Joining by video | ||||
| https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/64494045418?pwd=UjhUZmhQQUQyRW90RGRubDIwZHNPdz09 | ||||
| or | https://zoom.us/join | Meeting ID: 644 9404 5418 | Passcode: 364454 | |
| Joining by telephone | ||||
| 1-855-703-8985 toll free | Meeting ID: 644 9404 5418 | Passcode: 364454 | ||
L’Orignal
| Court date: Monday of the week before Court time: 9 am (all matters) Audioconference: 1-866-633-0848 Conference ID: 2828887 |
Napanee
| No formal trial readiness court – trial readiness will be canvassed in individual cases by the Local Administrative Judge or designate, as appropriate. |
Ottawa
| Court date: Monday of the week before Schedule: Tiered list based on date of trial / preliminary inquiry |
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| 9 am | All cases with self-represented accused | |||
| 10 am | Monday | |||
| 10:30 am | Tuesday | |||
| 11 am | Wednesday | |||
| 11:30 am | Thursday | |||
| 12 noon | Friday | |||
| Join by video or telephone using Zoom | ||||
| Joining by video | ||||
| By video: https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/63367665462?pwd=QkhCcEhQVGJiWFF0Zjd2b0xrM3JRZz09 |
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| or | https://zoom.us/join | Meeting ID: 633 6766 5462 | Passcode: 357107 | |
| Joining by telephone | ||||
| 1-855-703-8985 toll free | Meeting ID: 633 6766 5462 | Passcode: 357107 | ||
Pembroke
| Court date: Monday of the week before Schedule: Tiered list based on date of trial / preliminary inquiry |
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| 9 am | Monday and all cases with self-represented accused |
| 10 am | Tuesday |
| 11 am | Wednesday |
| 1 pm | Thursday |
| 2 pm | Friday |
| Please contact the courthouse to obtain connection information for the trial readiness court. | |
Perth
| No formal trial readiness court – trial readiness will be canvassed in individual cases by the Local Administrative Judge or designate, as appropriate. |
Picton
| No formal trial readiness court – trial readiness will be canvassed in individual cases by the Local Administrative Judge or designate, as appropriate. |
Northeast Region
Cochrane
| Court date: Tuesday of the week before Court time: 10 am (all matters) Audioconference: 1-866-500-5845 Conference ID: 9199047 |
Gore Bay
| Court date: Tuesday of the week before Court time: 10 am (all matters) Audioconference: 1-866-500-5845 Conference ID: 9199047 |
Elliot Lake
| No formal trial readiness court – trial readiness will be canvassed in individual cases by the Local Administrative Judge or designate, as appropriate. |
Haileybury
| No formal trial readiness court – trial readiness will be canvassed in individual cases by the Local Administrative Judge or designate, as appropriate. |
Kirkland Lake
| No formal trial readiness court – trial readiness will be canvassed in individual cases by the Local Administrative Judge or designate, as appropriate. |
North Bay
| No formal trial readiness court – trial readiness will be canvassed in individual cases by the Local Administrative Judge or designate, as appropriate. |
Parry Sound
| No formal trial readiness court – trial readiness will be canvassed in individual cases by the Local Administrative Judge or designate, as appropriate. |
Sault Ste. Marie
| Court date: Monday of the week before Court time: 9 am |
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| Join by video or telephone using Zoom | |||
| Joining by video | |||
| https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/68379225231?pwd=aFpkUEZlSzhkKzJlYjd1NWtUQ3JjQT09 | |||
| or | https://zoom.us/join | Meeting ID: 683 7922 5231 | Passcode: 988978 |
| Joining by telephone | |||
| 1-855-703-8985 toll free | Meeting ID: 683 7922 5231 | Passcode: 988978 | |
Sudbury
| Court date: Every day, one week before the day cases are scheduled to be heard Court time: 9:30 am Audioconference: 1-866-602-5461, Conference ID# 6600245 |
Timmins
| No formal trial readiness court – trial readiness will be canvassed in individual cases by the Local Administrative Judge or designate, as appropriate. |
Northwest Region
Dryden
| Court date: Friday 10 days before the Monday of the week cases are scheduled to be heard (e.g. trials and preliminary inquiries scheduled for the week of November 30 to December 3 will be spoken to in trial readiness court on Friday November 20. Time: 9:30 am (Central time) |
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| Join by video or telephone using Zoom – counsel/parties will be contacted and provided with the connection information |
Fort Frances
| No formal trial readiness court – trial readiness will be canvassed in individual cases by the Local Administrative Judge or designate, as appropriate. |
Kenora
| No formal trial readiness court – trial readiness will be canvassed in individual cases by the Local Administrative Judge or designate, as appropriate. |
Red Lake and Sioux Lookout
| Court date: Friday 10 days before the Monday of the week cases are scheduled to be heard (e.g. trials and preliminary inquiries scheduled for the week of November 30 to December 3 will be spoken to in trial readiness court on Friday November 20. Time: 9:30 am (Central time) |
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| Join by video or telephone using Zoom | |||
| Joining by video | |||
| https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/61864607346?pwd=MHFSREhma1BMN3RhNElLRCtxcXVyUT09 | |||
| or | https://zoom.us/join | Meeting ID: 618 6460 7346 | Passcode: 155263 |
| Joining by telephone | |||
| 1-855-703-8985 toll free | Meeting ID: 618 6460 7346 | Passcode: 155263 | |
Thunder Bay
| Court date: Friday 10 days before the Monday of the week cases are scheduled to be heard (e.g. trials and preliminary inquiries scheduled for the week of July 6 to 10 will be spoken to in trial readiness court on Friday June 26) Court time: 9 am (all matters) |
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| Join by video or telephone using Zoom | |||
| Joining by video | |||
| https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/64206735064?pwd=RU8yalVucXhER1pkMjJEbkxtMlNxUT09 | |||
| or | https://zoom.us/join | Meeting ID: 642 0673 5064 | Passcode: 344073 |
| Joining by telephone | |||
| 1-855-703-8985 toll free | Meeting ID: 642 0673 5064 | Passcode: 344073 | |
Toronto Region
1000 Finch Avenue West
| See below for scheduling details | |||
| Join by video or telephone using Zoom | |||
| Joining by video | |||
| https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/66860715966?pwd=OVdTY0ZyYnBJQnUzWUR3dzg3V04yZz09 | |||
| or | https://zoom.us/join | Meeting ID: 668 6071 5966 | Passcode: 356780 |
| Joining by telephone | |||
| 1-855-703-8985 toll free | Meeting ID: 668 6071 5966 | Passcode: 356780 | |
1911 Eglinton Ave East
| No formal trial readiness court – trial readiness is canvassed approximately two weeks in advance of the trial date. |
2201 Finch Avenue West
| No formal trial readiness court – trial readiness is canvassed six weeks in advance of the trial date. |
311 Jarvis
| No formal trial readiness court – trial readiness will be canvassed in individual cases by the Local Administrative Judge or designate, as appropriate |
College Park
| See below for scheduling details | |||
| Join by video or telephone using Zoom | |||
| Joining by video | |||
| https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/68748265459?pwd=Wm1keVVabUtCOEdJYmhDenBKUHpKUT09 | |||
| or | https://zoom.us/join | Meeting ID: 687 4826 5459 | Passcode: 452464 |
| Joining by telephone | |||
| 1-855-703-8985 toll free | Meeting ID: 687 4826 5459 | Passcode: 452464 | |
Old City Hall
| See below for scheduling details | |||
| Join by video or telephone using Zoom | |||
| Joining by video | |||
| https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/62211022167?pwd=SW9MSFlVNXFXRjIzcnNHRUUyTk1Hdz09 | |||
| or | https://zoom.us/join | Meeting ID: 622 1102 2167 | Passcode: 962428 |
| Joining by telephone | |||
| 1-855-703-8985 toll free | Meeting ID: 622 1102 2167 | Passcode: 962428 | |
Scheduling Details – Toronto Trial Readiness Courts
| Court Date: Monday Schedule: Tiered list based on date of trial / preliminary inquiry |
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| 9 am | Monday |
| 10 am | Tuesday |
| 11 am | Wednesday |
| 1 pm | Thursday |
| 2 pm | Friday |
West Region
Chatham
| Court date: Monday of the week before Court time: 10 am (all matters) |
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| Join by video or telephone using Zoom | |||
| Joining by video | |||
| https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/64491063380?pwd=MnN6ZzBtd0VuWHhtWXpVSTVadDVNQT09 | |||
| or | https://zoom.us/join | Meeting ID: 644 9106 3380 | Passcode: 100301 |
| Joining by telephone | |||
| 1-855-703-8985 toll free | Meeting ID: 644 9106 3380 | Passcode: 100301 | |
Goderich
| Court date: Monday of the week before Court time: 11:30 am (all matters) |
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| Join by video or telephone using Zoom | |||
| Joining by video | |||
| https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/64074406397?pwd=dUNjcnE5K1k4R2N4TkxvT1JtUGtpZz09 | |||
| or | https://zoom.us/join | Meeting ID: 640 7440 6397 | Passcode: 881382 |
| Joining by telephone | |||
| 1-855-703-8985 toll free | Meeting ID: 640 7440 6397 | Passcode: 881382 | |
Guelph
| No formal trial readiness court – trial readiness will be canvassed in individual cases by the Local Administrative Judge or designate, as appropriate. |
Kitchener (Waterloo Region)
| Court date: Monday of the week before Court time: 9:30 am (all matters) |
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| Join by video or telephone using Zoom | |||
| Joining by video | |||
| https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/61794087601?pwd=ZTBEeVMvNU54NVMzN252RW40UjI2Zz09 | |||
| or | https://zoom.us/join | Meeting ID: 617 9408 7601 | Passcode: 100105 |
| Joining by telephone | |||
| 1-855-703-8985 toll free | Meeting ID: 617 9408 7601 | Passcode: 100105 | |
London
| No formal trial readiness court – trial readiness will be canvassed in individual cases by the Local Administrative Judge or designate, as appropriate. |
Owen Sound
| Court date: Thursday of the week before Court time: 11:30 am (all matters) |
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| Join by video or telephone using Zoom | |||
| Joining by video | |||
| https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/69191251759?pwd=MEdwMGQrRy9vTWh3SHk1Q0ptSGI2QT09 | |||
| or | https://zoom.us/join | Meeting ID: 691 9125 1759 | Passcode: 251759 |
| Joining by telephone | |||
| 1-855-703-8985 toll free | Meeting ID: 691 9125 1759 | Passcode: 251759 | |
Sarnia
| No formal trial readiness court – trial readiness will be canvassed in individual cases by the Local Administrative Judge or designate, as appropriate. |
St. Thomas (Elgin County)
| Court date: Tuesday of the week before Court time: 9:30 am (all matters) |
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| Join by video or telephone using Zoom | |||
| Joining by video | |||
| https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/69318774384?pwd=bHNDZEtLMHExNXNYbldqbWliV2xGQT09 | |||
| or | https://zoom.us/join | Meeting ID: 693 1877 4384 | Passcode: 100103 |
| Joining by telephone | |||
| 1-855-703-8985 toll free | Meeting ID: 693 1877 4384 | Passcode: 100103 | |
Stratford
| Court date: Monday of the week before – Courtroom 1 Court time: 9:45 am (all matters) |
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| Join by video or telephone using Zoom | |||
| Joining by video | |||
| https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/67240892185?pwd=d2NvZXEzM2kyV3FPNUVHQWJMeXpRUT09 | |||
| or | https://zoom.us/join | Meeting ID: 672 4089 2185 | Passcode: 805602 |
| Joining by telephone | |||
| 1-855-703-8985 toll free | Meeting ID: 672 4089 2185 | Passcode: 805602 | |
Walkerton
| Court date: Wednesdays of the week before Court time: 11:30 am (all matters) |
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| Join by video or telephone using Zoom | |||
| Joining by video | |||
| https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/68960435554?pwd=WnlZUTJEUkRYcnR5WC9VMEJ1SWg2Zz09 | |||
| or | https://zoom.us/join | Meeting ID: 689 6043 5554 | Passcode: 435554 |
| Joining by telephone | |||
| 1-855-703-8985 toll free | Meeting ID: 689 6043 5554 | Passcode: 435554 | |
Windsor
| Court date: Tuesday of the week before Court time: 9 am (all matters) Audioconference: 1-866-633-1033, Conference ID# 2721586 |
Woodstock
| Court date: Tuesday of the week before – Courtroom 2 Court time: 9 am (all matters) |
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| Join by video or telephone using Zoom | |||
| Joining by video | |||
| https://ca01web.zoom.us/j/64640517368?pwd=d29QbXdlZ0taK2Q3TGdPUERmOWpmZz09 | |||
| or | https://zoom.us/join | Meeting ID: 646 4051 7368 | Passcode: 868772 |
| Joining by telephone | |||
| 1-855-703-8985 toll free | Meeting ID: 646 4051 7368 | Passcode: 868772 | |