Date updated: April 2022
Virtual and In-person Court Visits
All courts in Ontario have been profoundly impacted by the need to continue the administration of justice while managing the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. While technically still open to the public, many Ontario courthouses could only admit persons with matters before the courts in an effort to help contain viral transmission, and many others had to act quickly to create virtual access to hearing for both the public and litigants.
As of spring 2022, the situation has changed. Many more court sites are now offering the chance to observe proceedings virtually, in person or both. At the same time, please note that court staff are under a great deal of pressure to attend to backlogged matters and are dealing with circumstances that could change rapidly. Please ensure at least 3 weeks of lead time for requests and note that in the event of any discrepancy between information on the OJEN website and what you hear from court staff, teachers should assume court staff are correct.
We are happy to advise of the following courthouse availability:
CHATHAM
Superior Court of Justice and Ontario Court of Justice accepting virtual or in-person bookings
COCHRANE
Ontario Court of Justice accepting virtual bookings
DURHAM REGION
Oshawa, Ontario Court of Justice and Oshawa, Superior Court of Justice accepting virtual bookings
Please note that at this time, the Oshawa courts are only able to accommodate virtual visits from schools within Durham region (DDSB and DCDSB catchment).
ESPANOLA
Ontario Court of Justice accepting in-person bookings
GUELPH
Ontario Court of Justice accepting virtual or in-person bookings
HAMILTON
Ontario Court of Justice and Superior Court of Justice accepting virtual bookings
HALTON REGION
Milton, Ontario Court of Justice
Matters assigned to the Milton OCJ are being heard off-site due to building remediation at the courthouse.
Please note that at this time, the Milton OCJ is only able to accommodate virtual visits from schools within Halton region (HDSB and HCDSB catchment).
KITCHENER
Ontario Court of Justice accepting virtual or in-person bookings
LONDON
Virtual observation of matters at the London SCJ is available through the Middlesex Law Association. The MLA posts a docket of the next day’s hearings, including Zoom links where available.
ORANGEVILLE
Ontario Court of Justice accepting virtual or in-person bookings
OTTAWA
Ontario Court of Justice and Superior Court of Justice accepting virtual or in-person bookings
SARNIA
Ontario Court of Justice and Superior Court of Justice accepting virtual or in-person bookings
THUNDER BAY
Ontario Court of Justice accepting virtual bookings
TORONTO
Metro West Court – 2201 Finch Avenue W.
Ontario Court of Justice accepting virtual bookings
WOODSTOCK
Ontario Court of Justice accepting in-person bookings