Accused church arsonist goes back to Coronation courthouse

A man accused of destroying a church by arson had his request to move his case back to the original community granted.

Nickolas Guy Fortier’s case involving one charge of arson and one charge of mischief over $5,000 was heard in Alberta Court of Justice in Red Deer Dec. 10. Lawyer Darren Fortoosis appeared by video acting as agent for Fortier’s counsel David Reeves; Fortoosis stated that Reeves was out of the country but would return Dec. 11.

Fortoosis told Justice W.A. Skinner that Reeves and his client were hoping to resolve the matter and requested Fortier’s case be sent back to the Alberta Court of Justice in Coronation, the community where Fortier is accused of destroying the Evangelical Free Church by arson in autumn, 2023.

Fortoosis suggested Fortier’s next court appearance be in 2025, but Skinner was having none of that; he bluntly stated Fortier would appear in court before then.

As he considered the request and listened to details of the case Skinner noted he was also concerned that Reeves appeared to have lost contact with his client.

“He better get ahold of his client,” said Skinner.

It was noted during discussion Fortier was charged over a year ago and his case originally went to Court of King’s Bench; a notice of re-election was granted recently, moving Fortier’s case to the Alberta Court of Justice.

There was some confusion about this: Skinner felt the case should be in King’s Bench, but court staff clarified the notice of re-election was granted last month.

It was further noted Fortier pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Skinner granted the request to move the matter to the Coronation courthouse, and set Fortier’s next appearance as Dec. 13 at 11 a.m. where a date for his judge-only trial will be set.

According to the Government of Alberta the Court of King’s Bench is the superior trial court for the province, hearing trials in civil and criminal matters and appeals from decisions of the Court of Justice.

According to a press release from RCMP K Division, Coronation and Consort RCMP responded to a 911 complaint of a structure fire at the Evangelical Free Church in the Town of Coronation on Tues. Sept. 5, 2023.

Witnesses on scene provided video and witnessed a male attend the church earlier in the morning with a jerry can. The male was later seen returning to the church just before 12 p.m., and leaving soon after, just before the fire was reported.