at door facing the square
Commemoration
Symbols of law and authority to a new and changing society, the district court houses of Upper Canada were architecturally prominent buildings in the colony. Of these, one of the most grandiose is the former Johnstown District court house which was erected in the early 1840s and at present houses the county courts for Leeds-Grenville. Planned by the noted Toronto architect, John Howard, the building easily incorporates the diverse facilities of a court room, offices and jail while presenting an exterior of classical and monumental proportions.
Background
The courthouse is designed in the British classical tradition. It was meant to display the solidity and dignity of the law in a young land.
John Howard was a surveyor and engineer for the government of Upper Canada and later, Canada.