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Governance and Priorities Committee Meeting
Council Recognitions and Announcements
Council received a cheque presentation from the Lakeside Greens Preservation Society, which donated $3,000 to support early operational needs at Lakeside Greens Golf Course. The contribution is intended to support a new starter shed.
The Committee also recognized the recent Third Annual Mayor and Council Charity Golf Tournament held in partnership with the Chestermere Food Bank and thanked Administration and volunteers for their support. Final fundraising totals are expected to be presented at the July Governance and Priorities Committee meeting.
Emergency Management Update
Administration (Fire & Emergency Management) provided an update on the City’s transition to a municipally led emergency management program. Work continues on the development of a new Emergency Management Bylaw and the formation of the Municipal Emergency Advisory Committee. The Committee accepted the update for information.
Assessment Update
Administration (Finance), together with Accurate Assessment Group Ltd., presented an update on the 2026 property assessment process. The presentation outlined assessment methodology, market trends and factors affecting residential and non-residential assessments. Property assessments are completed independently by the City’s contracted assessment provider in accordance with provincial legislation and standards. While Council sets the annual tax rate, neither Council nor Administration determines individual property assessment values. The Committee accepted the presentation for information.
Prairie Waters Playground Presentation
The Committee received a presentation from the Prairie Waters Elementary School Council regarding proposed playground upgrades. The presentation outlined community engagement efforts and the need for enhanced play spaces for students and neighbourhood families. The Committee accepted the presentation for information and directed Administration to investigate ownership of lands containing playgrounds adjacent to schools in Chestermere and bring a report back to Council by the end of October 2026.
Document Management System Implementation Update
Administration (Information Technology) provided an update on the implementation of the City’s new Document Management System. The project includes digitizing physical records, automating processes and migrating files into a centralized records repository. The Committee accepted the update for information.
Transportation System Management Bylaw – Bylaw #003-26
Administration (Municipal Enforcement) presented Bylaw #003-26, which would consolidate and replace the City’s Traffic Control and Snow Removal bylaws. The proposed bylaw updates regulations related to parking, winter operations, truck routes, off-highway vehicles and emerging transportation options such as e-scooters. The Committee directed Councillor Sandboe and Mayor Dean to follow up on provincial e-scooter discussions and directed Administration to bring the bylaw forward for first reading with revisions discussed at the meeting.
Project Forest Presentation
The Committee received a presentation from Project Forest highlighting its rewilding and ecological restoration initiatives across Alberta. Following the presentation, the Committee directed Mayor Dean to provide a letter of support for the organization’s work.
Unsightly and Nuisance Premises Bylaw – Bylaw #021-26
Administration (Municipal Enforcement) presented Bylaw #021-26, a proposed replacement for the City’s current Unsightly Premises Bylaw. The proposed bylaw expands definitions, clarifies property-owner responsibilities and introduces escalating penalties for repeat violations. The Committee directed Administration to bring the bylaw forward for first reading with revisions discussed at the meeting.
Not-for-Profit Committee Strategic Plan
Administration (Strategic Services) presented the Not-for-Profit Committee’s Strategic Plan Final Report. The plan identifies two strategic priorities: the development of a non-profit community hub and improved coordination of services through shared data and needs assessments. The Committee recommended Council approve the plan and directed Administration to provide an update on the status of the Chestermere Community Foundation.
2026 Capital Projects Status Update
Administration (Community Growth and Infrastructure) presented an update on active 2026 capital projects and carry-over projects from previous years. Most construction activity is expected throughout the summer and fall. The Committee directed Administration to explore additional options for Rainbow Road North and return with information during upcoming budget discussions.
Policy # 860 – Interfaith Committee Terms of Reference
Administration (Legislative Services) presented Policy # 860, the proposed Terms of Reference for the Chestermere Interfaith Committee. The proposed committee would bring together local faith-based organizations to collaborate on community initiatives and discuss shared needs. The Committee directed Administration to bring the policy forward to Council for consideration before the end of July 2026.
Police Communications Committee Recommendations
Administration (Legislative Services) presented recommendations from the Police Communications Committee related to safety concerns in outdoor recreation areas.
The Committee accepted the recommendations for information.
School Sites Update
Administration (Office of the CAO) provided an update on school projects throughout Chestermere. Construction of the Catholic K–9 school in Dawson’s Landing remains on track for a fall 2027 opening, followed by the Dawson K–9 public school in 2028 and the new high school in 2029. The Committee accepted the update for information.
Committee Updates – Standing Item
The Committee received updates from several Council committees, including discussions on committee processes, vacancies and reporting requirements. The Committee directed that the March 30, 2026 Subdivision and Development Appeal Board meeting minutes be returned for correction and requested that reports referenced in previous committee meetings be provided to Council before related minutes are approved.
The Mayor also provided an update on attendance at the 2026 Federation of Canadian Municipalities Conference, with a full report expected at the July Committee meeting. Councillor Sandboe further advised that Alberta Municipalities is expected to receive a resolution related to e-scooters and micro-mobility at its upcoming convention.