Chestermere Lake received a major boost this summer with the addition of two state-of-the-art weed harvesters. These new machines are part of the City’s ongoing commitment to maintain a safe, accessible, and ecologically balanced lake, supporting both recreational use and long-term environmental health.
Each summer, aquatic vegetation grows rapidly and can interfere with boating, swimming, paddling, and fishing. Excessive weed growth also impacts water quality and the overall lake ecosystem. To stay ahead of the issue, the City replaced two aging harvesters with more efficient, modern equipment, enabling faster and more reliable weed removal.
“The new machines are a welcome upgrade,” said Parks Manager, Community Operations. “Last year was a challenge – our old harvesters broke down frequently, limiting how much we could collect. With these new units, we’re confident in our ability to better serve residents and protect the lake.”
The machines will operate daily throughout the summer in two shifts: 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and again from 1:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., with extended hours as needed. Crews target areas with the highest weed growth, adjusting routes based on seasonal conditions and resident feedback.
In 2024, the City collected approximately 200,000 kilograms of aquatic weeds. With the upgraded equipment, staff expect collection volumes to return to over 300,000 kilograms. Once collected, the weeds are dried at the Community Operations yard and reused as compost or fill, reducing waste and supporting circular sustainability practices
“We’re excited about the efficiency gains these new harvesters offer,” the Parks Manager added. “And we’re equally proud of how we’re repurposing the collected material in ways that benefit the broader community.”
Weed harvesting is just one part of the City’s broader lake stewardship efforts, which also include shoreline maintenance, water quality monitoring, and infrastructure upgrades to support growing usage of the lake.
“Chestermere Lake is the heart of our community,” said Mayor Shannon Dean. “Investing in these harvesters is an investment in the health, identity, and vibrancy of Chestermere itself.”
Residents are encouraged to report problem areas or ask questions by emailing Harvesting@chestermere.ca