Disclaimer: Council Highlights do not replace official meeting minutes. To view the official minutes once they are published and read the full agenda package, please visit our Agendas and Minutes webpage. To watch the full meeting video, please visit our YouTube channel.
Click here to see the PDF Version of the April 1 Council Highlights.
Special Council Meeting
Public Hearing on Bylaw 014-25
– The public hearing for Bylaw 014-25 proposed amendments to the Land Use Bylaw. These amendments are directly related to an application submitted by Beacon Data Centres.
– The hearing provided an opportunity for residents and interested parties to express their concerns or support for the proposed land use changes. After the hearing, Council proceeded with the Second and Third Readings of the bylaw, allowing for the Beacon project to continue. This centre will attract over $4 billion in investment for Chestermere, create jobs, attract subsidiary businesses, and diversify the local economy.
Governance & Priorities Meeting
Moment of Reflection – U11 Wins & Autism Awareness Month
– Mayor Dean started the meeting recognizing the achievements of the four U11 teams in Chestermere Minor Hockey who took home the gold medal this weekend. Congratulations to U11 One, U11 Three White, U11 Two, and U11 Blue!
– Mayor Dean also shared sentiments on behalf of Councillor Schindler recognizing Autism Awareness Month and the autistic members of our community:
“April is Autism Awareness Month, and I wanted to take a moment to celebrate the autistic members of our community. Autism is more than a disability. One of the things I love about the autistic people in my life is how deeply they feel things, which drives them to notice things unseen by others, create unique things, and seek a more just world. I love the way they question norms, and challenge us to be more forthright in our communication. I love the passion that drives them to advance both their own knowledge and skills, and our society as a whole. I am lucky to have the autistic people I do in my life, and I know many others feel the same. I hope everyone takes time this month to learn about autism from the experience of autistic people, and that as a society, we continue to make strides in recognizing them as a normal part of the depth and breadth of the human experience.”
Social Wellbeing Framework Study – HelpSeeker Technologies Presentation
– Council received a presentation from HelpSeeker Technologies on the Social Wellbeing Framework Study. The company shared insights into their methods for measuring social wellbeing in Chestermere and explained how technology can enhance access to services and support for residents. The presentation was accepted for information.
Lakeside Greens Delegation Presented by Slokker Homes and Lakeside Greens Golf Course
– There was a presentation about developing portions of Lakeside Greens lands. Council accepted the proposal for information.
Election Signage Bylaw – Simplifications Suggested
– Council discussed the proposed Election Signage Bylaw, which aims at regulating the use and placement of election signs during campaigns. After reviewing the bylaw, Council recommended simplifying the language and visuals, as well as its inclusion in the election application package for candidates. This would ensure candidates are clearly informed about the rules and regulations surrounding signage, making the process more straightforward and easier to enforce.
Dawson Harbour Heights Project – Privacy Solutions for Dawson Landing Homes
– Council discussed the ongoing Dawson Harbour Heights development, focusing on addressing privacy concerns for homes in the Dawson Landing area that back onto new apartment buildings. The project is exploring solutions that will enhance privacy for residents. Council expressed strong support for this. Administration will return before the end of May 2025 with an update.
School Site Update
– The Governance and Priorities Committee received an update on the status of school site planning and development within Chestermere. The update emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue between the city, school district, and other stakeholders to ensure that school facilities meet the growing needs of the community. The new K-9 public school site, located in the Dawson area, has received construction funding, and work is scheduled to begin soon. Additionally, planning funding for a new high school site has been approved by the province, marking a significant step forward for Chestermere’s educational infrastructure. This report was accepted for information, with the city committed to supporting the development of additional educational infrastructure.
$160,000 Funding for Chestermere Regional Community Association (CRCA)
– Council announced a $160,000 funding allocation for the Chestermere Regional Community Association (CRCA). This funding was allocated in the interim operating budget in December 2024. The investment is a part of the City’s ongoing support for local organizations that offer recreational, social, and community programs, helping to ensure Chestermere remains a vibrant and connected place to live.
Police Communication Committee Minutes and Final Report
– The Governance and Priorities Committee directed Administration to bring a further update to the regular meeting of Council on April 8, 2025. This follows the Committee’s ongoing work to enhance public safety and communication strategies.
Council Committee Updates – Acceptance of Reports
– Mayor Dean shared an update on the Mayor’s Task Force for Non-Profits. The group is working on a letter-writing campaign to address the growing funding needs of local non-profits, who often struggle to meet increasing demands for services. The Task Force is also developing a non-profit resource guide, similar to the Older Adults Coalition resource book, to provide easy access to information about available services. This guide will be available in both online and printed formats.
– Councillor Grant updated Council on two committees. First, as part of their work with the Chestermere Economic Development Committee, Councillor Grant & Councillor Wawrzynowski are attending Canada’s largest economic development conference. They will bring back a report for Council after the conference. Second, the Seniors Advisory Committee is focusing on improving transportation options for seniors and youth. They are exploring community-driven solutions to enhance connectivity, with recommendations to be presented to Council soon.
– Deputy Mayor Sandboe shared an update on her role with Community Futures Wild Rose, a non-profit organization that supports job creation and economic development across several municipalities, including Chestermere. In the most recent year, Community Futures Wild Rose provided over $100,000 in loans to Chestermere businesses, making up 7% of the total loans in the region. These loans are typically offered to businesses that have been declined by traditional banks but still have a strong business plan. Deputy Mayor encouraged the community to take advantage of this valuable resource and reach out for more information.
– Councillor Schindler shared information about the Emergency Management Committee, which met on March 13, where significant changes were discussed regarding emergency management protocols. The province has shifted from the Emergency Control Group model to the Incident Command Post model, requiring a revamp of emergency protocols. This shift will involve new training and will need to be adopted by Council after the next election, as there is not enough time to complete all necessary steps before then. The next committee meeting is scheduled for September 11, 2025. The Lake and Watershed Advisory Committee also met the same day, focusing on a full review of its Terms of Reference. Discussions included updates to the 2018 lake safety plans, stormwater management, and the potential rejoining of the Cooperative Stormwater Management Initiative. The committee also addressed plans for lakebed cleanup and other future initiatives, emphasizing the need to revisit past efforts and adapt them to current needs.
Members of Council will continue to report committee updates, as well any information obtained at conferences.