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Regular Council Meeting
Moments of Reflection
Council and Administration recognized members of the Chestermere Fire Department for their lifesaving work during a serious medical call. Certificates were presented to Benjamin Bishop, Matthew Relf, Brett Brandon, Joshua Sather, William Wood, William Smith and Quinn Terepocki. Council thanked the team for their dedication, community service, and support on calls when residents needed them most.
Business Retention and Expansion Incentives
Council received an update from Economic Development on possible programs to help local businesses grow and stay in Chestermere. Financial options included façade grants, tax abatements, loan funds, technology grants, workforce training support, fee waivers, and utility incentives. Non-financial ideas included business visits, spotlights, roundtables, a “Buy Local” campaign, supplier matchmaking, export sessions, and a business incubator. Council accepted the report for information.
Not-for-Profit Committee Appointment
Council appointed the Punjabi Bazurg Society to the Not-for-Profit Committee, effective December 9, 2025. The Society was recently registered as a local organization and will help bring more community knowledge and representation to the committee’s work.
CEDAC Terms of Reference
Council accepted the report on the Chestermere Economic Development Advisory Committee (CEDAC) Terms of Reference for information. The report reviewed Policy #851 to ensure it aligns with Council’s goals for economic growth and investment. Council directed Administration to return with an updated version at the February 2026 Governance and Priorities Committee meeting.
Mural Outline Plan
Council received the Mural Outline Plan for information. The plan covers 25.4 hectares in the East Acreages and proposes rezoning the area to a mix of residential, commercial, and public service uses. It would support 485 homes and one local commercial site, along with municipal reserve space and a pathway.
Mural Land Use Bylaw Amendment – Bylaw 029-25
Council gave first reading to Bylaw 029-25, which proposes redesignating the same 25.4-hectare area in the East Acreages to match the Mural Outline Plan. A Public Hearing is scheduled for January 27, 2026, at 1 p.m.
Secondary Suites Amendments – Bylaw 040-25
To begin public review on proposed updates Council gave first reading to Bylaw 040‑25, amending the Land Use Bylaw 020‑24 to update rules for secondary suites. The amendments include allowing suites in the Residential Planned Lot Front‑Drive District (R‑1PFD), requiring one parking stall per bedroom, and introducing a new “Boarding House” definition to regulate shared accommodations. A Public Hearing is scheduled for January 27, 2026, at 9:30 a.m.
Short-Term Rentals Amendments – Bylaw 015-25
Council gave first reading to Bylaw 015-25, amending the Land Use Bylaw 020‑24 which outlines rules for short-term rentals in several residential districts. Proposed rules include development permits, business licences, one parking stall per bedroom, and following provincial safety codes. Only one licence would be allowed per parcel. A Public Hearing will be held on February 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.
Business License Amendment – Bylaw 006-25
Council tabled Bylaw 006-25 to the February 10, 2026 Regular Meeting of Council. The bylaw adds short-term rentals to the definition of businesses and updates related fees. Council also directed Administration to bring back Bylaw 027-16, being the Business License Bylaw to the January 20, 2026 Governance and Priorities Committee meeting.
2026 Operating and Capital Budget
Council received the 2026 Operating and Capital Budget presentation from the CAO and Administration. Deliberations began with review of the Capital Budget, and an additional day was scheduled for Operating Budget discussions on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, to conclude the process.