BC Small Claims Simplified Trial at Robson Square: How the Pilot Works

What Is the Simplified Trial Pilot?

The simplified trial is a streamlined hearing format for lower-value small claims in BC Provincial Court. Instead of a full trial that might take half a day or longer, a simplified trial runs approximately one hour before a Justice of the Peace Adjudicator at Robson Square in Vancouver or the Richmond courthouse.

The pilot covers eligible claims from $5,001 to $10,000 filed at the Robson Square or Richmond registry. It is not available for every claim, and you do not apply for selection — if a Reply opposes an eligible claim, the registry schedules a simplified trial instead of a settlement conference.

How You Get Into the Simplified Trial Stream

You do not file a separate application. The registry schedules a simplified trial when a Reply opposes an eligible claim filed at Robson Square or Richmond. The claim and any counterclaim must each be $10,000 or less. Rule 9.1 excludes personal-injury claims and claims covered by Rule 9.2.

What Happens at a Simplified Trial

The trial is scheduled for one hour and follows the simplified procedure in Rule 9.1:

1. Document review and settlement. The JP Adjudicator reviews the filed documents and determines whether the parties can settle. If they agree, the adjudicator can make an order in those terms.
2. Facts and documents. If the parties do not settle, they swear or affirm, state the facts, file the documents or other evidence they rely on, and respond to each other.
3. Witnesses and questions. The JP Adjudicator may allow witnesses, experts, and questions between parties. Formal examination and cross-examination are used only if the adjudicator determines there are reasons.
4. Evidence and law. The JP Adjudicator may ask questions, receive evidence in an appropriate way, and review relevant law raised by the parties.
5. Decision. The JP Adjudicator must give a decision orally at the end of the trial or on a later date within 30 days, or serve a written decision within 30 days.

The compressed format means you need to be organized. There is no time to fumble through a pile of loose papers looking for the right receipt. Prepare a page-numbered document book and know exactly which page supports each point you plan to make.

How It Differs From a Regular Trial

Shorter. A regular small claims trial might take two to four hours or even a full day. The simplified trial targets one hour.

JP Adjudicator. Justice of the Peace Adjudicators preside over simplified trials at the pilot locations and can make binding orders in these proceedings.

In person. Unlike settlement conferences (which are remote by MS Teams or telephone under Practice Direction SM CL 02), simplified trials are in person by default unless a judge or judicial justice orders otherwise.

Fewer witnesses. The one-hour format makes calling three or four witnesses impractical. Rule 9.1 sets no maximum number of witnesses; the adjudicator may adjourn the trial if the evidence cannot be completed.

Preparing for a Simplified Trial

The preparation is the same as for a regular trial, just tighter:

• Document book. Three numbered copies (Judicial Justice, opposing party, yourself). Tab every document.
• Know your numbers. Be ready to walk through your damage calculation in under two minutes.
• Witnesses. If you need a witness, confirm their availability and serve a Summons to Witness (Form 8) at least 7 days in advance. Offer reasonable estimated travel expenses, or reasonable estimated attendance costs if the witness will attend remotely.
• Arrive early. Robson Square and Richmond courthouses have security screening. Give yourself at least 30 minutes before your hearing time.

If Your Claim Does Not Qualify

Claims that do not meet Rule 9.1's eligibility requirements follow the ordinary process. If the JP Adjudicator determines that a claim cannot be decided under Rule 9.1, the adjudicator can cancel the trial and direct the claim to a settlement conference, trial conference, or another trial. The balance-of-probabilities standard applies, but the simplified trial is conducted without formal rules of procedure and evidence.

For a complete guide to every stage of BC Provincial Court small claims — including trial preparation checklists and deadline calendars — see our BC Provincial Court small claims guide.

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