Disclaimer: Council Highlights are for information purposes only. Draft and official meeting minutes are normally published within two weeks, pending approval. To view the minutes and full agenda package, please visit our Agendas and Minutes page. To watch the full meeting video, please visit our YouTube channel.
Governance and Priorities Committee Meeting
Council Recognitions and Announcements
Council recognized the passing of former Mayor Elaine Peake, who passed away Sept. 27 at the age of 101. Elaine was a lifelong contributor to Chestermere, serving as a member of the Whitecappers, editor of the 1981 Chestermere History Book: Growing Through Time, and a dedicated volunteer on numerous committees and task forces supporting seniors. She served on both Summer Village and Town Councils, including a 10-year term as mayor, and was well known for her presence at community events and 20 years as a local newspaper columnist. Flags were lowered to half-mast in her honour, and Council held a moment of silence in recognition of her service to Chestermere.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation – Proclamation
Following a smudging ceremony to open the meeting, Council recognized National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, observing Sept. 30 as a day to honour the children who never returned home from residential schools, survivors, and their families and communities. The proclamation also acknowledged Orange Shirt Day and reaffirmed that every child matters. Mayor Dean formally proclaimed September 30, 2026, as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in the City of Chestermere.
Public Input
Public input was received regarding concerns with the Westmere stormwater system. Administration will review the concerns and explore options for next season.
Alberta Citizens on Patrol – Public Presentation
The Committee received a presentation from Alberta Citizens on Patrol (ACOPA) outlining the process for establishing a Citizens on Patrol group in Chestermere. The presentation covered provincial support, requirements for forming a local society, volunteer screening and training, and the operational framework used by C.O.P. groups across Alberta. The Governance and Priorities Committee accepted the presentation for information and recommended that Council support the creation of a Citizens on Patrol program in Chestermere.
RCMP Quarterly Update – Q1 (April–June 2026)
The Committee received the RCMP Quarterly Update, providing an overview of policing activity, crime trends, community engagement, staffing and financial reporting for Q1 of the 2026–27 fiscal year. Property Crime decreased 18 per cent and Persons Crime decreased 28 per cent compared with the same period in 2025. The update also highlighted traffic and school-zone enforcement, specialized patrols, community events, school presentations, seniors’ events and other community engagement initiatives. The Committee accepted the update for information.
Current School Playground Inventory and Land Ownership
Administration (Community Growth & Infrastructure – Strategic Projects) presented a report outlining ownership and responsibility for school playgrounds across Chestermere, prepared in response to Motion #2600616-06. The review confirmed that responsibility for installation, maintenance, liability and lifecycle replacement rests with the applicable School Authority under the Joint Use and Planning Agreement. The Committee accepted the report for information.
Community Standards Bylaw Effectiveness Review
Administration (Community Operations & Public Safety – Municipal Enforcement) presented a review of Community Standards Bylaw #003-25 and its successor, Bylaw #012-26, covering enforcement activity, complaint trends and operational experience in 2025 and 2026. Community Standards files decreased from 154 in 2025 to 106 year-to-date in 2026, while charges increased from one to 10. The review identified areas for improvement, including illegal dumping, barbeque locations, owner and parent liability, and penalties for disorderly conduct. The Committee directed Administration to prepare an amending bylaw reflecting the recommended changes.
ALDO Sport Domes Partnership Proposal
The Committee received a presentation from ALDO Domes outlining a proposed Design-Build-Operate partnership for a year-round indoor sport dome on municipally controlled land. The proposal includes a 25-year land lease at $1 per year, public infrastructure grants and private financing, with the Five Pillar Sports Foundation operating and maintaining the facility. The Committee accepted the proposal for information.
Gifts of Kindness – Youth Recreation Funding
Administration (Community Operations – Corporate Properties & Recreation; Community Support Services) presented a review of the Gifts of Kindness program in response to Council’s June 9, 2026, direction to explore a dedicated youth recreation funding stream. The review confirmed that the existing Terms of Reference already allow eligible families to receive up to $500 annually for youth programming. Administration noted that no amendments or new programs are required. The Committee accepted the report for information.
Council Committee Review Update
Administration (Strategic Services) provided an update on the ongoing review of Council’s committee governance framework. The review is intended to strengthen alignment between volunteer committees and the City’s four Core Pillars. Administration confirmed that no committees have been dissolved or members removed and that all committees continue to operate under their current Terms of Reference. The Governance and Priorities Committee recommended that Council direct Administration to continue developing the framework, including the Oct. 15 committee recognition and networking event, and bring any necessary budget adjustments forward through the appropriate process.
Fee Schedule Bylaw #019-26 – Consolidation of Municipal Fees
Administration (Legislative Services and Finance) presented proposed Fee Schedule Bylaw #019-26, consolidating existing City fees, rates and charges into a single Schedule A. The bylaw would centralize fees previously found across multiple bylaws, policies and schedules, while establishing an annual review process. The Committee accepted the proposed bylaw and Schedule A for information.
Chief Administrative Officer Bylaw #029-26
Administration (Office of the CAO) provided an update on draft Chief Administrative Officer Bylaw #029-26, which was tabled at the July 28, 2026, regular meeting to allow for further consultation with Municipal Affairs. The updated bylaw includes revisions related to the CAO’s delegated authority, including financial, procurement and information-management responsibilities. The Committee accepted the proposed bylaw for information.
Chestermere Economic Development Advisory Committee – Updated Terms of Reference
Administration (Community Growth & Infrastructure – Economic Development) presented updated Terms of Reference for the Chestermere Economic Development Advisory Committee (CEDAC). The revised Terms of Reference modernize the committee’s mandate and align it with the City’s Economic Development Strategy Framework, with a focus on business retention and expansion, investment attraction, land and development readiness, tourism and special events, and brand and identity promotion. The Committee accepted the proposed Terms of Reference for information.
School Sites Update
Administration (Office of the CAO) provided an update on school sites, noting that the sod-turning ceremony for the new K-9 public school in Dawson is scheduled for Oct. 7 at 10 a.m. Administration confirmed that school construction timelines remain on track, with Chestermere is positioned to see a new school open each year for the next three years. The Committee accepted the update for information.
Recreation Update
Administration (Office of the CAO) highlighted an upcoming cheque presentation from Bet99 in recognition of funds raised through its recent golf tournament in support of Lakeside Greens. The total amount raised will be announced at a later date. The Committee accepted the recreation update for information.