canada small-claims-court ontario
Serving to a P.O. Box in Ontario
<p>Assisting a relative with a small claims case (Ontario, Canada).</p>

<p>We are to serve the defendant's representative (a paralegal) that is operating under a P.O. Box in another city.</p>

<p>Are we legally allowed to serve by sending documents to the P.O. box with tracking to confirm it's been delivered?</p>

<p>You may find the following excerpts from the rules useful.</p>

<p>Rules of Civil Procedure, R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 194: </p>

<p>16.01 (1) Originating Process</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>An originating process shall be served personally as provided in rule
  16.02 or by an alternative to personal service as provided in rule 16.03</p>
</blockquote>

<p>16.03 Alternatives to Personal Service: </p>

<blockquote>
  <p>(4) Service of a document may be made by sending a copy of the
  document together with an acknowledgment of receipt card (Form 16A) by
  mail to the last known address of the person to be served, but service
  by mail under this subrule is only effective as of the date the sender
  receives the card.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>16.04 (4) Service by Mail to Last Known Address</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Service of a document may be made by sending a copy of the document
  together with an acknowledgment of receipt card (Form 16A) by mail to
  the last known address of the person to be served, but service by mail
  under this subrule is only effective as of the date the sender
  receives the card.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>Manner of Service by Mail</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>16.06 (1) Where a document is to be served by mail under these rules, 
  a copy of the document shall be served by regular lettermail or by
  registered mail.</p>
</blockquote>

<p><a href="https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/900194" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/900194</a></p>
