- Vancouver's Downtown Community Court
- Prolific Offender Management Project
- Bail Reform Project
- Community Crime Prevention Pilots
Criminal Justice Reform Projects
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.
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.
First Anniversary Celebration – September 25, 2009
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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 release
and factsheet
(PDF/137KB).
Premier's Awards – February 5, 2009
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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.
“Winterconnected” – January 29, 2009
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
On September 27, 2008, Downtown Community Court staff and neighbourhood residents came together for a community barbecue.
Official Opening Ceremony – September 6, 2008
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.
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.






























