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Governance and Priorities Committee Meeting
Moment of Reflection
The Committee acknowledged the tragic bus collision in Stavely, Alta., that claimed the lives of three young members of the Mustangs hockey community: Cameron Casero, JJ Wright and Caden Fine. With many Chestermere families involved in hockey and regular team travel, the incident resonated deeply. Condolences were extended to the families, teammates and all those affected.
Committee also recognized several Chestermere businesses nominated for the Community Futures Wild Rose – Heart of the Community Awards, which celebrate small businesses that contribute to local vibrancy and community life. The nominated businesses are:
- Chestermere Mobile Massage Inc.
- Chestermere Muslim Council
- Domino’s Pizza
- Harmony Health & Fitness
- Little Lake Locals
- Our Little Thing
- Tentz Up
Mayor highlighted the City-led United Way hockey fundraiser at the Chestermere Recreation Centre, featuring teams from Fire Services, City Hall, City sponsors and Public Works. Last year’s event raised about $4,800, while this year’s total has already exceeded $7,600. Committee members attended part of the first game during the lunch break.
Public Input
Council accepted public input related to East Acreages and concerns regarding the TRR districts for information.
Public Inquiries Service Update
The Committee received an update on how public inquiries are handled across the City. Recent improvements include restoring the Report-It tool, adding inbox auto-responders and correcting email filtering issues.
Work is underway to modernize inquiry management and align improvements with the 2026 website redesign. The Committee directed Administration to return with an update at the Sept. 22, 2026 Governance and Priorities Committee meeting.
Foundational Learning Community – Public Presentation
The Committee received a presentation on a proposed Adult Learning and Testing Centre for Chestermere. The initiative would expand access to training, SAIT-supported programs, work experience, pre-apprenticeship preparation, language learning and certification testing. The presentation also outlined potential partnerships, performance labs and next steps, including needs assessments and a training expo. The Committee accepted the presentation for information.
Recreation-Related Motions Update
Council has made over 90 recreation-related motions since July 2024, reflecting the priority placed on recreation. Administration reported most motions are completed or progressing on schedule, including work related to the Chestermere Regional Recreation Centre, Lakeside Greens GolfCourse, the new Dawson’s Landing Recreation Centre and general recreation initiatives.
The Committee directed Administration to work with the CRCA to improve utilization data reporting for July 21, 2026; provide a golf course transition update on April 21, 2026; and add four standing recreation items to future Governance and Priorities Committee agendas.
Social Wellbeing Framework – HelpSeeker Technologies
Social Wellbeing Framework presentation was accepted for information. The framework outlines community-informed priorities such as belonging, safety, community spaces and collaborative growth, and builds on the 2023 Social Needs Assessment.
The Committee directed Administration to provide Council with the list of 67 organizations and 272 programs referenced in the presentation, bring a progress report to the May 5, 2026 meeting, and refer the Chestermere Together document to the Not-for-Profit Committee for review and a future presentation.
2026 Grant Adjudication Committee Allocations
The Committee received the 2026 grant allocation decisions for the Community Grant and FCSS funding streams. A total of $200,000 in Community Grants and $159,320 in FCSS funding was allocated through the standardized adjudication process.
Administration was directed to prepare a consent agenda report outlining how 2025 FCSS, Community Grant and United Way funds were used, and to schedule a workshop with Community Support Services to review the City’s grant funding streams.
New Recreation Centre – Campaign Feasibility Study
The Committee accepted an update on the campaign feasibility study for a new recreation centre in Dawson’s Landing. The study will assess donor and sponsor potential, gauge community support and provide a detailed campaign plan with timelines, staffing needs and financial targets.
Administration noted the study will help reduce reliance on grants and reserves while strengthening stakeholder relationships. The feasibility work is expected to take about four months. The update was received for information.
School Sites Update
The Committee received an update on school sites. While there are no new updates on existing sites, Administration recently met with FrancoSud, which is now operating in Chestermere and expects 34 to 40 students at its new recreation centre facility. The City will begin work on a joint-use planning agreement with FrancoSud, which has also expressed interest in a future school site. Administration will follow up with Rocky View Schools on timelines for construction of the new K–9 public school. The update was accepted for information.
Committee Updates
The Not-for-Profit Committee is preparing for its next meeting and working on goal setting. The Police Communications Committee requested clarification on membership limits under new legislation and a $1,000 funding top-up to continue safety-related programming. The Lake and Watershed Committee held its first meeting, appointed its chair and vice-chair, reviewed bylaws and is awaiting an update on the lake and watershed RFP.
Members also shared updates from regional and provincial committees. Community Futures Wild Rose continues governance and economic development work, while Alberta Municipalities committees are advancing initiatives related to mental health, infrastructure and environmental policy. Councillor Sandboe, Deputy Mayor Narayan and Councillor Schindler have taken on new provincial appointments with Alberta Municipalities, strengthening Chestermere’s representation. Additional updates were provided from the Seniors Advisory Committee, Library Board and Marigold Library System. All updates were accepted for information.