Whereas gaps in service within the Provincial Courts continues to deny timely and equitable access to justice services for all British Columbians and will only be exacerbated by rapid population growth; thus, resulting in harms by prolonging closure for individuals awaiting court judgements, inefficient use of police time for travel, and greater challenges for those with limited access to public transit or transportation; And whereas although recent investments made by the Ministry of Justice and Attorney General JAG have increased capacity at specific courthouses, the investments have not facilitated equitable access for all British Columbians or met service level requirements: Therefore be it resolved that UBCM direct the Province of BC to identify and address current gaps in service in the Provincial Courts; and further, release an updated Courthouse Capital Asset Management Plan CAMP which reflects new growth projections and future service level needs.
Ministry of Attorney General The Province recognizes the need to continue to improve service gaps in the courts. In 2018, an extensive review was completed on the courthouse facilities across the province to assess the condition of each location and what would be required to ensure they can support demand from the period of 2018 to 2028. Since that review, several initiatives have been completed or are in progress to improve access to justice. Examples include: - The new Abbotsford Law Courts was opened in 2020, which significantly increased court capacity in the Fraser Valley, as well as adding Supreme Court functions. - A new Ahousaht Circuit Court was established in 2024. - The courthouse Wi-Ficabling upgrade project, which aims to increase capacity for court proceedings to be conducted by video conference and provides Courts participants access to the internet. Since 2021, courtroom cabling was improved in 10 sites, and Wi-Fi expanded in 56 locations. - Expansion of the bail process to be completely virtual via technology, which allows both video and audio interaction for court users in courthouses, police departmentsRCMP detachments and correctional centres. 102 RCMP Detachments and Police Departments and 29 courthouse locations have been upgraded since 2021. - The Early Resolution Program has been implemented in six court locations, providing additional resources for participants involved in family-related disputes and assists with resolving matters outside of court. Implementation in five additional court locations is planned for later in 2025. - The creation of a new Indigenous courtroom is in progress at the New Westminster Law Courts, with anticipated completion in early 2026. - The Port Coquitlam Law Courts renovation will add two new Supreme Court courtrooms, a registry counter and ancillary spaces, with anticipated completion in Winter 2026. Projection modelling for Court needs is updated regularly, accounting for changes in population, demographics, as well as internal and external justice system measures. The projections are assessed in conjunction with courthouse renovations, expansions, and new builds to fully inform those projects through ensuring they are guided by long-term planning. Equal access to justice is paramount to fostering trust and confidence in British Columbias justice system. Ensuring that all British Columbians, regardless of location or circumstance, can engage with a fair and accessible system is a cornerstone of the ministrys mission. While there are numerous opportunities for innovation and areas where we can continually enhance our efforts, the Ministry of Attorney General has made it a priority to expand modern, user-centered services across the province. This reflects Governments commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our communities and strengthening the justice system as a whole. With the guidance of the CSB Digital Transformation Strategy most recently updated in 2024, modernized service offerings include the introduction of guided pathways and electronic form submission, which streamline processes for users 247, as well as the significant adoption of virtual proceedings to reduce barriers to participation. Additionally, virtual counter service and on-demand access to materials provide greater flexibility and convenience, ensuring that individuals can connect with the resources they need, when they need them. These advances represent just a few of the ways the ministry is working to deliver meaningful, province-wide impact.