February 2010 – Supreme Court of Canada Decision in Tercon Contractors Ltd. v. British Columbia (Ministry of Transportation and Highways), 2010 SCC 4

On February 12, 2010, the Supreme Court of the Canada released its long-awaited judgment in the tendering law case of Tercon Contractors Ltd. v. British Columbia (Ministry of Transportation and Highways), 2010 SCC 4 (“Tercon”). (more…)

December 2009 – Anti-camping Bylaw’s Unconstitutional Status Upheld by Court of Appeal

On December 9, 2009 the British Columbia Court of Appeal released its reasons for judgment in the Victoria (City) v. Adams case.

The decision of the Trial Judge (released in October 2008 and reported on in our client bulletin at http://www.sms.bc.ca/client/2008/oct2008-1.html) received widespread attention. Given the importance of the issues, a number of additional parties sought and were granted intervenor status at the Court of Appeal, including the Union of British Columbia Municipalities, the British Columbia Civil Liberties Association, The Poverty and Human Rights Centre, and Pivot Legal Society. The Attorney General of British Columbia participated as an intervenor on the appeal as well. (more…)

October 2009 – Civil Graffiti Damages and Injunctive Relief First for a Local Government in British Columbia

The City of Langford commenced a civil action in the Supreme Court of British Columbia against two graffiti vandals for injunctive relief and damages. The first action against a graffiti vandal utilizing the tag “REZ” was settled by way of Court Order while the second will proceed to trial. The key components of this Order are as follows: (more…)