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Regular Meeting of Council
Moment of Reflection
Council recognized the Chestermere Lakers U18-2 hockey team for capturing their league banner in a game that went to triple overtime and a five-round shootout. The Mayor noted the strong community support, with the Red Arena at the Chestermere Recreation Centre filled with fans. Visiting players from Calgary also commented on the large turnout. Council congratulated the team on their hard-fought victory.
Council also invited residents to attend the Governance and Priorities Committee meeting on March 17, where Chestermere’s Olympic gold medalists in curling will be formally recognized. Member of Parliament David Bexte is expected to attend.
2025 and 2026 Resolution Tracker
The 2025 and 2026 Resolution Tracker was accepted for information. Chief Administrative Officer Kent Edney presented the item, providing an update on the status and progress of resolutions from both years.
Mayor and Council Charity Golf Tournament 2026
Council set June 12, 2026, as the date for the third annual Mayor and Council Charity Golf Tournament. This year’s event will be hosted in partnership with the Chestermere Food Bank and will align with the Food Bank’s existing tournament scheduled for that day. The Chestermere Food Bank will be a beneficiary of funds raised, with additional beneficiary organizations to be considered and announced later. Administration will begin coordinating event planning, sponsorship opportunities and promotion.
Non-Profit Community Hub – Council Direction
Administration was directed to work with the Chestermere Boxing Club Facility Advisory Board and other stakeholders to explore the feasibility of establishing a non-profit community hub in Chestermere. This work will include reviewing potential locations, governance models and partnership opportunities.
Council also directed the Not-for-Profit Committee to create a subcommittee to support planning for the proposed hub and coordinate stakeholder engagement as the concept develops.
Alberta Counsel Update
Council accepted the Alberta Counsel update for information. The update outlined the City’s advocacy approach, including coordinated messaging, relationship building with provincial decision-makers and maintaining clear Council-endorsed priorities.
High School and Recreation Centre Joint-use Site
Council accepted the High School and Recreation Centre Joint-Use Site Connection Options report for information. The review included examples from other municipalities where high schools and recreation facilities share or connect to the same site. Lessons related to safety, traffic circulation, parking and pedestrian movement were highlighted to help inform future planning considerations.
Land Use Bylaw Amendment – Development Permits for Permitted-use Dwellings
First reading was given to Bylaw No. 011-26, which would reinstate the requirement for development permits for permitted-use dwelling units. The change would restore formal approvals, appeal rights and clearer long-term property records while maintaining current review timelines.
The public hearing was scheduled for April 14, 2026, at 1 p.m.
Bylaw No. 014-26 – Live Work District Amendment
Council also gave first reading to Bylaw No. 014-26, which removes the unintended rear-lane access requirement from the Live Work District. The amendment aligns the Land Use Bylaw with Council’s original 2015 direction and the approved South Shore Outline Plan.
The public hearing was scheduled for April 14, 2026, at 2 p.m.
Recreation Work Plan Update
Council accepted the Recreation Work Plan update for information. The update outlined progress on outdoor unstructured recreation initiatives, development of a Recreation Master Plan and upcoming work related to recreation planning and fund development.
Council also directed the Recreation Committee to review the City’s recreation assets and provide recommendations on the scope of work for the Recreation Master Plan by the end of May 2026.
Capital Funding Request – Knox Rapid Access System Transition
Council approved allocating $21,500 from the restricted reserve to transition Chestermere Fire Services to the Knox Rapid Access System. The change ensures continued compliance with the National Fire Code and maintains secure emergency access after the current Supra system is discontinued at the end of 2026.
Funding will cover Knox equipment for fire apparatus and upgrades to four City-owned buildings. Private building owners will be responsible for their own retrofits.
Not-for-Profit Committee Appointments
Two new organizations were appointed to the Not-for-Profit Committee effective March 10, 2026: Chestermere Men’s Shed and the Chestermere Historical Foundation. These additions broaden community representation and support engagement across the local non-profit sector.
Procedural Bylaw Update
Council gave first and second reading to Bylaw No. 001-26, the updated Procedural Bylaw. The amendments improve clarity and align with current meeting practices.
Updates include livestreaming rules, public recording permissions, delegation management, electronic participation requirements, agenda submission timelines and renaming “Moment of Reflection” to “Council Recognitions and Announcements.”
Closed Session Motions
- Council accepted the discussion with Alberta Counsel for information.
- Council accepted the discussion on community development for information and directed Administration to move forward with the community development strategy discussed in camera.
- Council also accepted the legal update for information.