VANCOUVER - A new justice access centre will be created in downtown Vancouver and videoconferencing capabilities upgraded to streamline cases at B.C. Provincial Court at Robson Square and 222 Main St., two of B.C.’s busiest courtrooms.

“Along with the increased efficiencies and accessibility these projects will bring,” said Attorney General Wally Oppal, “six direct jobs will be created through their construction and almost $1 million dollars contributed to the local economy.” 

Phase one of the new Vancouver Justice Access Centre (JAC) will enable the public to obtain information, advice, mediation and other services to assist them with resolving family justice problems. The first phase is already underway. Construction on phase two will begin in April 2010 and provide space for civil justice services.

“Giving the public information and alternatives for resolving legal problems helps divert family justice cases out of the courts and make dispute resolution less adversarial,” Oppal said.

The JAC is modelled on the Nanaimo Justice Access Centre. Valued at $795,000, the project will be co-located with Vancouver Provincial Court at room 290, 800 Hornby St.

Another $176,000 in facility upgrades are slated to begin by this July to construct secure interview rooms and install videoconferencing equipment at the Provincial Court at 222 Main St. and Vancouver Police jail.

Videoconferencing will give accused and prisoners in custody early access to defence counsel using videoconferencing, reducing the need to be transported to and from the courthouse until their case is scheduled for a substantive hearing.

Evening and weekend hearings will be conducted using videoconferencing with accused appearing from the Vancouver Police jail, counsel from 222 Main St. and judicial justices of the peace presiding from the Justice Centre in Burnaby.

These projects are part of an overall, three-year, $14-billion capital infrastructure program supported by the Province that will create up to 88,000 jobs and help build vital public infrastructure in every region of B.C.