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Governance And Priorities Committee Meeting
Moment of Reflection
Council celebrated news that three Chestermere residents will compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. Ben Herbert and Brett Gallant will compete on the men’s curling team, with Brett and Jocelyn Peterman also competing together in mixed doubles. Council discussed ways to recognize this achievement and will work with administration on a formal send-off to celebrate the athletes and highlight Chestermere’s pride in seeing residents reach the Olympic stage.
TRR Districts and Acreages Report
Administration was directed to prepare a report on the TRR districts, acreages, and the 2009 acreage annexation agreement. The report will also include how off-site levies apply. It will return to Council by the end of January 2026.
Council Reports
Council accepted the following for information:
- Economic Developers Alberta Dinner, October 30, 2025
Councillor Grant, Councillor Wawrzynowski, and the Mayor attended the dinner in Edmonton. They met with Ministers and senior officials to discuss tourism, sport, investment, and funding opportunities. Takeaways included using Invest Alberta, exploring grants such as those offered by NRED, and strengthening partnerships to support local economic growth.
- AB Munis Conference, November 12 to 14, 2025
All members attended sessions with provincial leaders. Mayor Dean was elected to the Mid-Sized Cities Mayor’s Caucus Executive and Councillor Sandboe to the AB Munis Board. Council noted strong networking, grant opportunities, and advocacy for schools and transportation.
- Rural Municipalities of Alberta Conference, November 17 to 20, 2025
The Mayor attended sessions on governance, infrastructure, and economic opportunities. Topics such as nuclear energy and data centres supported future planning. Networking highlighted the value of regional collaboration.
Rainbow Road and Dawson Way Intersection
CAO Kent Edney provided an update on the Rainbow Road and Dawson Way intersection near Our Lady of Wisdom School. The developer has agreed to complete installation of traffic lights, with construction targeted for May 2026. Final design work has been submitted. Installation will depend on weather and contractor scheduling.
Community Standards Bylaw Review
The committee accepted the discussion for information and directed Administration to prepare a report on the effectiveness of the Bylaw, including the number of reports and charges over two years. It will return before the end of November 2026
Town Centre Traffic and Safety Study
Council accepted the study for information. Key future recommendations include signal upgrades at West Chestermere Drive and Station Way, new roundabouts, multi-use pathways, and long-term improvements such as a transit hub. Land use changes were also recommended to support safer, more walkable streets.
Committee Bylaw Review
Administration was directed to amend Bylaw 042 25 with several changes before the second reading. Updates include clarifying committee priorities and reporting processes, timelines for chair appointments, quorum requirements, wording changes, committee training for public members, and timelines for minute submissions.
Recreation Update
The Mayor provided an update following a meeting with Councillor Grant, CAO Edney, and CRCA board members. With high community interest in recreation, Council noted the importance of ongoing discussions. The update was accepted for information.
School Sites Update
FrancoSud has received a building permit and is expected to begin construction soon. The Catholic K to 9 school is underway, and the Dawson and Rocky View public K to 9 site is ready pending final permits. Landscaping is complete for the Catholic school in south Chelsea. The update was accepted for information.
Not-for-Profit Committee Terms of Reference
The committee accepted the report for information. Administration presented amendments reflecting the name change from Mayor’s Task Force for Nonprofits to Not-for-Profit Committee. The committee’s mandate is to assess needs and build capacity within Chestermere’s nonprofit sector. The Terms of Reference define its purpose, membership, and reporting requirements.
Council Priority Form Update
Legislative Services provided a verbal update on the return of the Council Priority Form. The updated form allows councillors to submit items for future agendas with timelines, objectives, and priority levels. It will be reviewed at every agenda preparation meeting to ensure community concerns are addressed. The update was accepted for information.
Committee Administration Liaison Overview
Legislative Services provided an update on work underway to support committee operations. Draft 2026 calendars have been shared, with plans for a public online calendar for all boards and committees. Agendas and minutes are being standardized, and liaisons are receiving training on meeting procedures. Meetings will be held in council chambers to support public accessibility. Future goals include clarifying expectations for committees, addressing attendance issues, and increasing committee presentations to Council. The update was accepted for information.