An undated photo of GraceLife Church from the church's website.

By Troy Gillard

Fence erected

AHS ‘physically closes’ GraceLife Church for repeated public health violations

Apr 7, 2021 | 10:49 AM

Alberta Health Services (AHS) says it has “physically closed” a church west of Edmonton for repeatedly violating public health restrictions.

Fence was erected surrounding GraceLife Church (GLC) Wednesday morning preventing any access to the building until AHS says the church can demonstrate the ability to comply with restrictions.

For several months, AHS says it has “attempted to work collaboratively with GLC to address the ongoing public health concerns at the site.”

Steps taken prior to physically closing the site include a Dec. 17 AHS order requiring GraceLife Church to comply with restrictions, a Court of Queen’s Bench Order obtained January 21 requiring the church to comply with the previous order, and a January 29 order requiring closure until they complied with restrictions.

On March 27, AHS sent a letter to Pastor James Coates providing him with information on the continued spread of COVID-19. AHS has invited Coates to meet virtually to discuss the risks presented by COVID-19, but has yet to hear back.

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Coates was charged earlier this year and jailed for several weeks for refusing to comply with the public health orders.

“GLC has decided not to follow these mandatory restrictions, nor have they attempted to work with AHS to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission,” reads a media release.

“With COVID-19 cases increasing and the more easily-transmitted and potentially more severe variants becoming dominant, there is urgent need to minimize spread to protect all Albertans.”

AHS says it has received 105 complaints regarding the church since last July, and that 18 visits to the church from inspectors turned up violations each time.