GRAND FORKS COURT HOUSE
The present site was purchased in 1911 for $3,500.00; the building cost was $44,037.70, and construction was completed in 1912.
The Courtroom was designed to be insulated from outside noises and distractions by its location in the middle of the second floor. The fence stone was supplied locally from Tom WRIGHT, and the fence's iron work was supplied and forged by local ironworker John MOOYBOER. All stained glass was constructed by Victorian, A. R. (Roy) MAKER.
The original tenants were the Government Agent and police on the first floor, and Court Staff on the second floor. Over the years tenants have included Forest Service, Highways, Game Warden, Agri-culture and Social Services.
Today it houses the Court Registry, Government Agent, Probation, Family Court Counsellor, and the Game Warden. In 1920, it was used as a High School due to lack of room at local schools.
The Provincial Court has moved across the street and the courthouse now is home to the
Grand Forks Visitor Centre, the Grand Forks Art and Heritage Gallery, and a gift shop featuring the work of regional artisans. To the rear of the building is the Gilpin Cabin, a small log cabin that served as the local customs house from 1894 to 1897.
On January 20, 1981, fire extensively damaged the building. In June, 1983, it was reopened, having been extensively renovated at a cost of $1.2 million. The building was brought completely up to code; an elevator was constructed in the new addition at the rear of the building.
The Court House is totally climate controlled with all windows being double-glazed sealed units. The front door was replaced but was designed to duplicate the original door from 1912. There is also a handicapped entrance at the rear.
The stained-glass windows have been protected by plexiglass on the outside, and as much as possible of the original woodwork was salvaged and what was replaced was matched to the original.
The Coat of Arms in the floor in the entrance-way was left in its original state and is the ONLY ONE LEFT IN BRITISH COLUMBIA.
Provincial Court sits here once per week, and Supreme and County Court once per month; this is the County Court of Kootenay, and Grand Forks is the westernmost seat in this County.