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.
Governance and Priorities Committee meeting
Moments of reflection
Council celebrated Chestermere residents Jocelyn Peterman, Brett Gallant and Ben Hebert, who will represent Canada in curling at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games. The athletes spoke about the honour of competing internationally and their pride in representing Chestermere.
Council also recognized recent community achievements, including strong performances in local hockey over the holiday break. The Junior C team was highlighted for once again winning the ESSO Minor Hockey Week championship.
Public Input
Public input related to East Acreages and Remembrance Day was received and accepted for information.
Business Licence Bylaw Review
Administration presented an overview of the City’s Business Licence Bylaw, which has remained unchanged since 2016. Administration identified several areas for potential modernization to reflect changes in the business environment, including evolving business classifications, licensing frameworks, fee structures, and enforcement tools.
The Committee directed Administration to complete a full review of Bylaw #027-16 and report back at the July 21, 2026, Governance and Priorities Committee meeting.
Regional Handi-bus Service
The Committee received an update from Rocky View Regional Handi-bus on service growth, rising demand and operational challenges. Administration was directed to work with the Handi-bus Society and return with information on service levels in Chestermere, budget and funding needs, connections to the City’s ongoing transit feasibility study, advocacy opportunities, and long-term service options.
Community Futures Wild Rose
A presentation from Community Futures Wild Rose highlighted business development programs, lending supports, training services and regional economic initiatives aligned with the City’s strategic priorities. Opportunities for collaboration were noted, including business attraction, youth entrepreneurship, non-profit support, and economic diversification.
Sponsorship and Donation Policy
The Committee reviewed proposed Policy #858, which sets out a framework for donations, sponsorships and naming rights. Administration emphasized the need for clearer processes, approval thresholds and recognition standards.
The Committee recommended that Council establish a Mayor’s Task Force to provide further guidance, consisting of Mayor Dean, Councillor Grant, Councillor Sandboe and Administration representatives appointed by the Chief Administrative Officer.
Acreages Planning Overview
An information report outlined the planning history and current framework for acreage communities, including the 2009 annexation, the Transitional Rural Residential District, and off-site levies. Long-term servicing considerations for East Acreages, North Acreages and Paradise Meadows were reviewed.
Administration was directed to provide the 2015 East Acreages Area Structure Plan and Municipal Government Board Order MGB 018/09 for further review.
Recreation Governance Direction
Following discussion, the Committee directed the Recreation Committee to prepare a recommendation for Council on third-party versus City-run governance for the new recreation centre, to be completed before June 2026. Administration must also return by March 2026 with a comprehensive update on recreational opportunities across the city.
The Committee also directed Administration to develop a work plan addressing outdoor unstructured recreation, creation of a Recreation Master Plan, an RFP related to fund development, and other identified priorities. The work plan is to be brought back to Council by the end of February 2026.
Civic Recognition Practices
The Committee received a report on how the City manages proclamations, letters of support and civic recognition. Administration noted increasing requests that fall outside the current policy framework and outlined considerations related to governance, precedent and capacity. The report was accepted for information, and an updated policy will be brought back to a future Council meeting.
School Sites and Partnerships
Mayor Dean gave an update on ongoing relationship building with local school boards and parent councils. Administration and Council continue to coordinate a joint meeting with Rocky View Schools trustees, with scheduling underway between both organizations.
A similar request has been received from the Calgary Catholic School District, and arrangements are being explored. Chestermere Lake Middle School Parent Council also invited Mayor Dean to attend a meeting and provide an update on policing and the Community Support Officer program, and a future meeting is being coordinated with the FrancoSud school’s parent council as well.
Recreation Status Update
The Committee received a brief update noting progress on unstructured outdoor recreation initiatives and preparation of related reports. The Recreation Committee continues work on governance options and a third-party partnership framework for the new recreation centre. The update was accepted for information.
Committee Updates
The Committee received general updates, noting that approved committee minutes and related reports will now be regularly included in GPC agenda packages.
Updates also included ongoing work by the Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee to identify historic sites, as well as the continued display of the Famous Five exhibit at City Hall. The recent success of the Pink Tea event at City Hall, held in honour of the Famous Five, was highlighted. The Committee thanked MLA Chantelle de Jonge, Okotoks Mayor and Chair of the Famous 5 Foundation, Tanya Thorne, participating councillors, and community partners for contributing to the event’s success.
All updates were accepted by the Committee for information.
Closed Session
The Committee accepted the in-camera discussion related to recreation for information.