The Supreme Court registry in Port Coquitlam has expanded, giving the Tri-Cities region better access to court services. This new development means people no longer need to travel to Vancouver or New Westminster for many Supreme Court civil and family matters.
The Tri-Cities, including Port Coquitlam, Coquitlam, and Port Moody, are growing quickly. This growth has increased the demand for court services. The new registry counter now offers full Supreme Court registry services, a step up from the limited filing services available since 2021.
People can now visit the Port Coquitlam courthouse to file documents, access court records, and handle other court processes in person. This is the first time these full services are offered locally, making justice more accessible for families and individuals in the area.
The courthouse has also received upgrades. Staff are trained and ready to handle the full range of Supreme Court procedures. These improvements mean court processes can run more smoothly without residents having to leave their community.
Plans are also underway to convert some courthouse space into two more Supreme Court courtrooms. One of these new courtrooms will be a secure jury trial room. When completed, the courthouse will have four Supreme Court courtrooms. This will help the region handle civil, family, and criminal cases more efficiently.
Local leaders have welcomed this expansion. Mike Farnworth, MLA for Port Coquitlam, said the investment will bring real improvements to the court system’s access and speed. He noted it is good news for the people living in the Tri-Cities area.
The province is also focusing on other investments to strengthen the court system across British Columbia. These include appointing new judges, training and graduating sheriffs, and opening new court service locations. These efforts aim to make courts safer, faster, and better equipped to serve everyone in the province.
The expanded Supreme Court registry in Port Coquitlam is a key part of making justice services more available and easier to reach for growing communities. It marks an important step toward a fair and timely justice system in B.C.