The new state-of-the-art Abbotsford Law Courts that houses both the Provincial Court of British Columbia and the Supreme Court of British Columbia is ready to open in January.

Provincial court operations will commence at the new building in Abbotsford, B.C. on January 18, 2021, followed by Supreme Court operations on February 1, 2021. The new courthouse will also be able to accommodate proceedings of the Court of Appeal for British Columbia.

“This long-awaited facility will offer a wider range of justice programs and services, making it more convenient for the residents of Abbotsford and surrounding region,” said David Eby, Attorney General. “The new courthouse will expand from five to 14 courtrooms, increasing access to justice.”

The 16,723 square-metre (180,000 square-foot), four-storey building houses 14 courtrooms – eight provincial, three supreme and three initial appearance/conference rooms. PCL Constructors West Coast was the builder with design by WZMH Architects (part of the Plenary PCL Justice consortium).

The facility includes a law library and state-of-the-art technology to support the delivery of justice services well into the future. Best-practice building design was used to respond to the evolving needs for access to justice services.

The new courthouse also houses the BC Prosecution Service, Community Corrections and a Justice Access Centre to help people with their family and civil law issues.

The Abbotsford Law Courts building is located at 32375 Veterans Way (Trethewey Street and Veterans Way). It replaces the existing courthouse at 32203 South Fraser Way.

“The completion of the new Abbotsford Law Courts is welcome and exciting news for the project partners and community,” said Lisa Beare, Minister of Citizens’ Services. “This modern and fully accessible building was built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold standards and will provide safe, secure and effective justice services to the local community and region for years to come.”