https://newsroom.calgary.ca/our-statement-regarding-cps-presence-at-street-church/
Our statement regarding CPS presence at Street Church
Yesterday, Saturday, April 3, 2021, one uniformed member of the Calgary Police Service attended a call to assist our partner agencies, Alberta Health Services and City of Calgary Bylaw services, in relation to a religious gathering being held at the Street Church located at 4315 26 Ave. S.E.
The concern was that the people in attendance were not adhering to the government’s COVID-19 public health orders, which are in place to ensure everyone’s safety.
In attending public spaces, private homes, and businesses, we continue to strive for voluntary compliance with public health orders where that makes sense. The majority of Calgarians are understanding and cooperative. However, CPS is often asked to attend these calls in an effort to help keep the peace due to high levels of conflict between citizens and health inspectors.
The organizer of the gathering was uncooperative with the health inspector, and repeatedly raised his voice asking all parties to leave the premises, which they did approximately one minute after entry and in a peaceful manner.
No tickets were issued at the time and it will be up to our partner agencies to determine subsequent enforcement activity in response to this situation.
We understand the pandemic has caused great disruption to all Calgarians in their professional and personal lives. We do not wish to disrupt anyone’s holidays or religious or spiritual events, however we must support our partner agencies when called upon to help ensure everyone can safely celebrate these occasions.