User:Newontario/sandbox

NESTOR PRISCO

PROVISIONAL JUDICIAL DISTRICT OF NIPISSING

Provisional Judicial District of Nipissing came into existence in 1895. North Bay became district town in that year. Nipissing at that time included Sudbury, Sturgeon Falls, North Bay and Mattawa as main towns along the CPR each with its own courthouse and lockup. Their populations ranged from 1,000 - 2,500. The judicial district extended northward to the Albany River and included present day Temiskaming and Cochrane districts.

Joseph Alphonse Valin, former Ottawa lawyer, became the first judge of the District Court in Nipissing. He served from 1895 - 1934. In 1903, Harry Darling Leask, originally from Orillia, became junior judge for Nipissing. Leask began his practice in North Bay with Arthrur George Browning in 1891 after his call to the bar. He practised and lived in North Bay, Sudbury and Sturgeon Falls prior to his appointment.

In 1934, one new judge replaced Judges Valin and Leask upon their retirement. By this time, there was no need for two judges since Nipissing had given up jurisdiction to the districts of Sudbury, Temiskamaing and Cochrane. Thomas Francis Battle of Toronto and earlier of Thorld Ontario served from 1934 - 1936. Judge Battle died unexpectedly in 1936 during the Corpus Christi parade at Scollard Hall.

Joseph Adze Symaune Plouffe, highly regarded Sudbury lawyer succeeded Battle in 1936. Plouffe served with distinction until his death in 1964.

Plouffe's successor was also from Sudbury in the person of Maurice N Lacourciere. A fine gentleman, Lacourciere remained until 1967 when he accepted an appointment to the High Court in Toronto.

Ferdinand L Gratton came after Lacourciere starting in December 1967 until 1982 when he asked to be transferred to Sudbury owing to ill health. The local bar embraced Judge Gratton for his wise counsel, decision making and outstanding fairness. He mixed easily in the community and district. Always courteous and friendly, Judge Gratton's departure was seen as the loss of a genuine humanist.

Robert Perras succeeded Judge Gratton in April 1982. Coincidentally, Perras was once a student in Gratton's law office. In Kapuskasing and area, Perras made a name for himself as a leader in a small community and able counsel. While dedicated in his role as a judge, it appeared Judge Perras missed his life in northern Ontario. Judge Perras had some health issues and retired in 1991. Tragically, Judge Perras died in a motor vehicle collision December 30, 1998.

Court reform occurred in 1989 and and while judges were assigned to specific locations, they were appointed for the Province of Ontario.

Judge George Valin, great grandson of our first judge J A Valin, became a judge in December 1990 and was assigned to Sault Ste Marie. Not long after his appointment he transferred to North Bay where he continues on the bench as a supernumerary judge. Judge Valin grew up and practised with his father in North Bay. He played an active role in the community prior to his appointment including terms on North Bay City Council.

Judge Michael G Bolan transferred to North Bay from Kitchener where he was senior judge. Judge Bolan practised in North Bay for many years, served on City Council and served as member of provincial parliament. He was appointed in 1981 and presided in Brampton prior to moving to Kitchener. judge Bolan is retired.

Judge Norman Karam transferred to North Bay in 1999 and continues as a supernumerary judge.

These are the judges who have presided in Superior Court in Nipissing up to 2000.