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Vancouver's Downtown Community Court

Photo and Video Gallery

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Second Anniversary Celebration – September 23, 2010

On September 23, 2010 Downtown Community Court welcomed over 200 staff, clients, friends, neighbours and community partners to its annual barbeque to celebrate its second anniversary. The event opened with a blessing by Squamish Nation elder Audrey Rivers followed by remarks from Judge Thomas Gove, presiding judge in the community court, Allan Shoom, coordinator, Sharon Belli, manager of community engagement and a community court client. Everyone enjoyed the festive atmosphere with entertainment provided by live musicians.

The court was pleased and encouraged by the strong turnout and thanks its community partners for making its second anniversary a wonderful celebration. The event was made possible with the support of Freybe Gourmet Foods, Premium Brands, Peer Network Enterprises, Mr. Mike's Restaurant, Bean Around the World Coffee on Powell Street, TEC Canada, Summit Foods and Sprott-Shaw Community College.

Squamish Nation elder Audrey Rivers
Staff, volunteers and invited guests celebrating the second anniversary of the Downtown Community Court.
Staff, volunteers and invited guests celebrating the second anniversary of the Downtown Community Court.
Staff, volunteers and invited guests celebrating the second anniversary of the Downtown Community Court.
Staff, volunteers and invited guests celebrating the second anniversary of the Downtown Community Court.
Staff, volunteers and invited guests celebrating the second anniversary of the Downtown Community Court.


Mural Unveiling – January 26, 2010

On January 26, 2010, a series of murals were unveiled at a ribbon-cutting ceremony that included the artists, members of the community and Downtown Community Court staff. The murals were designed and painted by artists Joey Mallett, Jerry Whitehead, and Rita Buchwitz. The project was funded by the City of Vancouver.

The Downtown Community Court thanks the artists for their hard work and vision, the City of Vancouver for funding the project, and court staff for their encouragement.

Members of the public are welcome to visit the courthouse, which is a public building, to view the murals.

More information about the murals is available in this factsheet.

Sharon Belli, Downtown Community Court Manager, Community Engagement, and artists Jerry Whitehead, Joey Mallett and Rita Buchwitz cutting the ribbon to unveil the murals.
"Falling Through the Cracks/Pushing Through," by Joey Mallett and Rita Buchwitz.
Detail of "Hope and Transformation," by Joey Mallet, Rita Buchwitz and Jerry Whitehead.
"Pillar" by Jerry Whitehead.
"Reception Mural," by Joey Mallett, Rita Buchwitz and Jerry Whitehead.


First Anniversary Celebration – September 25, 2009


1 minutes 49 seconds

The Downtown Community Court held an event September 25, 2009 to celebrate its first anniversary. It was attended by the court’s friends and community partners. It opened with an Aboriginal prayer by Sam George of the Squamish Nation. Judge Thomas Gove, presiding judge in the community court, emceed the event, which included speeches by Attorney General Michael de Jong, QC, Solicitor General Kash Heed, Acting Chief Judge Jim Threlfall, and Vancouver City Councillor George Chow. Light refreshments and entertainment were provided by community partners.

The court wishes to thank all its community partners for making our anniversary event a true celebration.

For more information on the community court's first year, please see this news releaseLink to an external website and factsheetLink to an external website (PDF/137KB).


Premier's Awards – February 5, 2009


2 minutes 27 seconds

This video about Community Court was produced for the Premier’s Innovation and Excellence Awards by the BC Public Service Agency. The video emphasizes the court’s use of collaborative case management to help offenders make long-term changes to their criminal behaviour.



The Downtown Community Court was a Lower Mainland regional finalist for a Premier’s Award in the Cross-Government Integration category February 5, 2009 in Vancouver. Provincial award winners were announced March 26 in Victoria.

The Downtown Community Court was a Lower Mainland regional finalistLink to an external website for a Premier’s Award in the Cross-Government Integration category February 5, 2009 in Vancouver.  Provincial award winners were announcedLink to an external website March 26 in Victoria.

 

“Winterconnected” – January 29, 2009


The entrance decorated to welcome guests attending the community court’s “Winterconnected” event.
A guest signing the guest book at “Winterconnected.”
Guests listen to opening remarks at “Winterconnected.”
Judge Thomas Gove (left) and Sharon Belli, Manager, Community Engagement, welcoming guests to the community court’s “Winterconnected” event.
Downtown Community Court staff at “Winterconnected.”
Community court Judge Thomas Gove (centre), Shirley Chan, CEO of Building Opportunities for Business (right), and Fred Leonard, Co-Chair of the Board of Trade’s Downtown Eastside Task Force, at “Winterconnected.”

On January 29, 2009, Downtown Community Court staff, community partners, local service providers and neighbourhood businesses met in an informal setting to get to know one another.


Community Barbeque – September 27, 2008


Staff members enjoying themselves at the community barbeque.
The sheriffs pictured here are in ceremonial tunics, which are worn on special occasions.
Neighbourhood residents and staff enjoying a catered barbeque in the community court yard.

On September 27, 2008, Downtown Community Court staff and neighbourhood residents came together for a community barbecue.


Official Opening Ceremony – September 6, 2008


Click image to go to videoClick image to go to video

This video was produced by the Office of the Premier to celebrate the opening of Canada’s first community court. Premier Campbell was joined at the opening by Chief Judge Hugh Stansfield, Attorney General Wally Oppal and Solicitor General John van Dongen.


Shane Pointe of the Musqueam First Nation (left), Chief Leah George-Wilson of the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation (centre), and Dennis Joseph of the Squamish First Nation lead the opening of Vancouver’s Downtown Community.
A community court sheriff in ceremonial tunic, at attention during the official opening of the court.
Premier Gordon Campbell (right), Attorney General Wally Oppal (centre) and Provincial Court of British Columbia Chief Judge Hugh Stansfield unveiling a commemorative plaque.
Premier Gordon Campbell (left) and Attorney General Wally Oppal at the opening of Vancouver’s Downtown Community Court.
Attorney General Wally Oppal (right) and Judge Thomas Gove, the community court’s presiding judge, at the court’s opening ceremony.
 

The Downtown Community Court officially opened its doors September 6, 2008. The court takes a problem-solving approach to crime and public safety. It deals with offenders more quickly through a co-ordinated and informed response.


Courtroom

 
The Downtown Community Court's two courtrooms differ from traditional courtrooms. The Downtown Community Court's two courtrooms differ from traditional courtrooms. The counsel tables in community court face one another at an angle, which opens proceedings to view from the public gallery. The dock where an accused person in custody would stand during proceedings in a traditional court also serves as a holding cell in community court. However, most accused persons appearing in community court sit with their lawyer at the defence counsel table during proceedings. Also, unlike traditional courtrooms, the judge’s bench in community court is lower so the judge and the accused are at eye level with one another.
 
 

Downtown Community Court

 
The Downtown Community Court occupies the first two floors of the former pre-trial centre at 211 Gore Street in Vancouver. The Downtown Community Court occupies the first two floors of the former pre-trial centre at 211 Gore Street in Vancouver.  The upper five floors are not in use.  The court is 1,957 square metres (6,421 square feet) and contains two courtrooms, holding cells, interview and conference rooms, and office space.