Ottawa Small Claims Court | Public Rules, Forms & Registry Resource

1. Ottawa Courthouse & Jurisdiction

The Ontario Small Claims Court is a branch of the Superior Court of Justice handling civil disputes for monetary claims or the recovery of personal property. The Small Claims Court in Ottawa is located at 161 Elgin Street, serving the National Capital Region.

Courthouse Location	161 Elgin Street, 2nd Floor, Ottawa, ON K2P 2K1
Monetary Jurisdiction	Claims up to $50,000 (exclusive of interest and court costs) — the current Ontario small claims court monetary limit
Governing Regulation	Rules of the Small Claims Court, O Reg 258/98
Statutory Framework	Courts of Justice Act, RSO 1990, c C.43

2. Core Filing & Procedural Steps

Actions commenced in the Ottawa Small Claims Court follow the sequential timeline set out under O Reg 258/98:

Issuing the Claim (Rule 7): Litigants file a Plaintiff's Claim (Form 7A) alongside supporting contracts, invoices, or proof of damages through the court office or Justice Services Online portal.
Service of Process (Rule 8): The issued Form 7A must be served on each named defendant within six months of issuance. Serving a Form 7A in Ottawa requires compliance with the methods prescribed under r 8.01 for individuals, corporations, or municipalities.
Defence Period (Rule 9): A defendant has 20 calendar days following personal or alternative service to file a Defence (Form 9A). If no defence is filed, the plaintiff may note the defendant in default.
Settlement Conference (Rule 13): Once a defence is filed, the court schedules a mandatory Settlement Conference before a Deputy Judge to narrow issues, clarify evidence, or facilitate resolution before trial.

3. Standard Small Claims Court Forms

Form 7A — Plaintiff's Claim: The originating document initiating an action for debt, contract breach, or property damage in the Ottawa Small Claims Court.
Form 8A — Affidavit of Service: The sworn evidentiary document proving service has been executed in accordance with r 8.09.
Form 9A — Defence: The formal response detailing admissions, disputes, or counter-positions of the defendant.
Form 15A — Notice of Motion and Supporting Affidavit: The application used to request procedural orders, including motions for substituted service under r 8.04.
Form 20P — Affidavit for Enforcement Request: Used post-judgment to initiate garnishment of bank accounts or wages through the local Sheriff's office.