This is a history of Vancouver Courthouses, beginning in 1898, with the “Old Courthouse” at Hastings and Cambie, and ending with the present-day Law Courts on Hornby and Nelson.
“Old Courthouse” at Hastings and Cambie (today’s Victory Square) c.1898 – CVA 396-07
The Courthouse decorated for the reception of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall and York – September 1901 – CVA SGN 927
Vancouver Daily World, April 16, 1912, page 12
Construction of the Courthouse 1907-1911 – CVA 1219-2
Construction of this monumental courthouse occurred between 1907 and 1911 at the height of a dramatic period of growth in Vancouver. Designed by notable architect F. M. Rattenbury, it was the symbol of justice in the heart of Vancouver. The high level of construction skills proves to be enduring.
Placing the lion statues 1911 – CVA 1219-1
Construction almost completed 1911 – CVA 1219-3
The Province, September 13, 1911, page 16
View of the Courthouse from Howe Street looking west c.1912 – CVA SGN 395
Unveiling the King Edward VII (drinking) fountain in front of the Courthouse, a donation from the Imperial Order, Daughters of the Empire. Unveiled by His Worship the Mayor, James Findlay – May 18, 1912 – CVA 375-1
Raising of the flagpole in front of the Courthouse on August 29, 1913. The view is taken from the (old) Hotel Vancouver, (today’s Pacific Centre) of West Georgia Street with houses on Hornby. Wesley Methodist Church on Burrard at the left rear, Christ Church Cathedral on Burrard in the centre rear. CVA 99-100
CVA 99-102
CVA AM872-S4
By 1914, the law courts had outgrown the original building, and a large new wing was added, connecting the main building by an enclosed two-storey corridor on the west side. An economic recession stopped the completion of a second annex.
1917 – CVA 339-1
Postcard showing the (2nd) Hotel Vancouver and the Courthouse – 1920s – CVA AM1052 P268
Looks exactly like the postcard above! 1927 – Bu N141.1
King Edward VII Fountain in front c1920 – CVA 99-1063
Vancouver Sun, April 28, 1966, page 37
On Georgia Street 1967, King Edward Fountain removed and replaced by the larger Centennial Fountain – CVA 1435-647
The Law Courts entrance at Hornby and Nelson
The building is a 7-storey structure, housing 35 courtrooms. There is a large covered glass roof overlooking 50,000 square feet of space. Its innovative architecture and urban design have been recognized as one of the world-renowned landmarks of downtown Vancouver, incorporating “a style that remains connected to the surroundings, with a sensitivity for nature and the environment.”
Erickson described his concept as: “This won’t be a corporate monument. Let’s turn it on its side and let people walk all over it.”
