Community courts

Community Court

The City, in partnership with Calgary Legal Guidance, is piloting a new Community Court.

This is an innovative approach to justice that connects Calgarians experiencing vulnerabilities with a court diversion process to resolve bylaw infractions. People charged with bylaw infractions may be connected with community programs as an alternative to fines or other punitive sanctions. 

The goal of the program is to set individuals on a path towards rehabilitation and stabilization.

The pilot program began Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at the Alberta Court of Justice and it runs on the last Wednesday of every month. 

Partnering for an innovative approach

Anyone experiencing vulnerabilities who has charges under any municipal bylaw is welcome to attend to devise a plan to resolve charges. As the program evolves, it is anticipated that supports will not just meet basic needs but also include physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional components.

The pilot brings together partners from Calgary Police Service, Bylaw and Transit, as well as Alberta Justice and the social service sector to disrupt the revolving door facing many Calgarians struggling with trauma, addiction, mental health, and/or homelessness as underlying causes of justice system involvement.

Some anticipated outcomes of the Community Court are improvements in public safety and quality of life for individuals and community and reduced demand on the traditional justice system.

The launch of a Community Court for Calgary fulfils one of the recommendations of the Downtown Safety Leadership Table.

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