The first courthouse in Vancouver was completed in 1890 and was located on Pender Street between Hamilton and Cambie streets. It was designed by Thomas C. Sorby. Before 1890, court had been held in various buildings including the the town constable's cottage and city hall.
The second courthouse was built on the block bounded by Georgia, Robson, Howe and Hornby streets. It was completed in 1911 and was designed by F.M. Rattenbury. In 1983, the building became the Vancouver Art Gallery.
The current courthouse was designed by Arthur Erickson and was officially opened on September 6, 1979.
References
- Early Canadian Courthouses (available in the Vancouver Courthouse Library)
- The Way We Were (available in Vancouver and regional courthouse libraries)
- The Advocate (available in most BC courthouse libraries and in HeinOnline) has a number of articles about courthouses.