Are you wondering if the BC Courts are open? If you want to know, you need to call the courthouse.

Supreme Court of British Columbia

• Victoria: 250.356.1477
• Vancouver: 604.660.2847
• Kelowna: 250.470.6900

Court of Appeal for British Columbia

• Vancouver: 604.660.2729

Provincial Court of British Columbia

• Victoria: 250.741.5860
• Vancouver: 604.660.8522
• Kelowna: 250.470.6900
• Nanaimo: 250.716.5908
• Prince George: 250.614.2700
• Kamloops: 250.828.4344

Reasons the Courts can close

Court closures can occur in BC due to several factors, most notably extreme weather events. For instance, heavy snowfalls or severe storms can halt court operations, ensuring the safety of staff and the public.

BC’s coast often experiences storm warnings when wind speeds exceed 90 km/h. This can potentially lead to power outages and unsafe travel conditions, which in turn necessitate court closures.

Infrastructure issues also play a significant role. Courts in older buildings might close due to heating failures or plumbing issues. A minor flood in the Kelowna Courthouse prompted an unexpected closure, reflecting how susceptible infrastructure can be to impact court operations.

Although less frequent, these instances are significant as they disrupt scheduled hearings and require substantial efforts to reschedule.

Public health crises have recently become a critical factor for court closures. The COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread temporary closures and a shift towards virtual hearings, a practice that may continue in response to future health emergencies.

Open Status of BC Courts

During the initial months of the pandemic, nearly 30% of scheduled court dates in BC were postponed or moved online, illustrating the impact of health crises on the judicial system.

Additionally, security threats or emergencies can lead to immediate court shutdowns. For example, bomb threats or nearby police activity can suspend court operations until safety is assured. Although rare, these closures are unpredictable and cause significant disruption to court schedules.

Statutory holidays and special observances lead to planned closures. Unlike unexpected shutdowns, these dates are scheduled in advance and widely communicated to the public, ensuring minimal disruption to court participants.

Summary Points:

• Extreme weather conditions, like storms or heavy snow, commonly cause court closures in BC.
• Infrastructure failures, such as heating or plumbing issues, can lead to temporary shutdowns.
• Public health emergencies, highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, have forced courts to close or operate virtually.
• Security threats can abruptly halt court operations, requiring immediate and temporary closures.
• Statutory holidays and special observances are planned closures, well-communicated in advance.