Three-year initiative aims to boost Chestermere’s profile and attract investment
Chestermere is taking a major step to grow its economic opportunities by joining Invest Greater Calgary (IGC), a new three-year pilot program promoting the Calgary Metropolitan Region as a prime location for business growth and investment.
At its July 8 meeting, City Council directed Mayor Shannon Dean to sign a Memorandum of Understanding confirming Chestermere’s role as a founding member. IGC unites eight municipalities: Airdrie, Calgary, Chestermere, Cochrane, Foothills County, High River, Okotoks, and Rocky View County, into a single regional voice for investment attraction.
“This is a smart investment for Chestermere,” said Mayor Dean. “By pooling resources, we gain access to regional market intelligence and investor outreach that would be difficult for a single municipality to achieve on its own, while still focusing on our local priorities.”
The initiative, originally launched as the Collaborative Regional Economic Development program, will be coordinated by Calgary Economic Development. The pilot will focus on four priorities:
- Regional research and analysis
- Marketing and promotion
- Investor support
- Program development
“For a municipality our size, IGC provides the capacity to reach national and international investors, highlight our strengths, and position Chestermere for sustainable non-residential growth.” said Nimish Patel, Manager of Economic Development.
Chestermere’s participation is supported by a cost-effective funding model. The City is contributing $6,000 from its 2025 operating budget, with shared costs among all members based on population, equalized assessment, and a flat rate.
An IGC Advisory Committee, with representatives from each community, will meet quarterly to set strategy, approve budgets, and guide projects. All members will have an equal vote, ensuring decisions reflect the collective interests of the region.
The first year of the pilot will focus on building a unified regional brand, completing market research, and engaging with potential investors. Progress updates will be shared with the community as the work advances.