The City, in partnership with Calgary Legal Guidance, delivers Community Court, an innovative approach to justice that connects Calgarians experiencing vulnerabilities with a court diversion process to resolve bylaw infractions.

Through Community Court, 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.

Launched in June 2024, Community Court runs weekly on Tuesdays at the Court of Justice Calgary (Calgary Courts Centre).

Community Court is open to anyone experiencing vulnerabilities who has been charged under a municipal bylaw. Participants work with program partners to develop a personalized plan to resolve their charges.

Individuals who are interested or are curious about whether the program is right for them, are encouraged to contact Calgary Legal Guidance or speak to their lawyer for more information.  As the program continues to evolve, supports are expected to extend beyond basic needs to include physical, mental, spiritual and emotional wellbeing.

Community Court brings together partners from Calgary Police Service, Bylaw and Transit, as well as Alberta Justice and the social service sector to address the repeat offences faced by many Calgarians, whose justice system involvement is rooted in trauma, addiction, mental health challenges, and/or homelessness.

Community Court has demonstrated it can improve public safety, enhance quality of life for individuals and communities and reduce demand on the traditional justice system.

Community Court was a recommendation of the Downtown Safety Leadership Table.

The following is an overview of the steps involved in the community court process.