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Regular Meeting of Council
Awards and Proclamations
Council proclaimed May 17–23, 2026 as National Public Works Week in recognition of public works professionals who support essential municipal infrastructure and services including transportation networks, water and wastewater systems, roads, parks, facilities, and solid waste operations.
Council also proclaimed May 18–24, 2026 as Alberta Disability Services Professional Appreciation Week in recognition of disability service professionals who support inclusion, accessibility, and quality of life for Albertans with disabilities and their families.
Council accepted the Alberta Community Disability Services Professional Appreciation Week and National Public Works Week proclamations for information.
Resolution Tracker – 2025–2026
Administration (Office of the CAO) presented the 2025–2026 Resolution Tracker for information. The tracker outlines the status of Council resolutions and actions currently in progress or completed. Council accepted the Resolution Tracker – 2025 and 2026, for information.
Extension of Motions Deadline
Administration (Office of the CAO) requested a decision regarding revised reporting timelines for several outstanding Council motions. The revised timelines included the Chestermere Economic Development Advisory Committee Terms of Reference to be updated following the hiring of an Economic Development Officer; the viability of a graffiti wall by the end of June 2026; and the Social Wellbeing Framework and recommendations related to the Recreation Master Plan being moved to the June 9, 2026 Regular Meeting of Council. Council approved the revised reporting timelines as presented.
Budget Amendment Request – 2026 Water Utility Capital Budget
Administration (Utilities) requested a decision on a proposed amendment to the 2026 Water Utility Capital Budget related to Off-site Levy Project Item 7 – Distribution Trunk in Rainbow Road (West) Phase 4. The amendment supports coordinating planned water and stormwater utility infrastructure work within the same corridor along Rainbow Road to reduce construction impacts and improve project efficiency. The Board of Directors approved a capital budget amendment of $272,000, funded from Off-site Levy Reserves, for the project.
Land Use Bylaw Amendment: Secondary Suites Definition – First Reading
Administration (Community Growth and Infrastructure) presented Bylaw #015-26, a proposed amendment to the Land Use Bylaw related to secondary suites. The proposed amendments would expand and clarify secondary suite definitions and permitted forms of dwelling units within certain residential districts, including principal dwelling suites, attached suites, accessory building suites, and garden suites.
The proposed amendments also included updates to general regulations related to accessory buildings, subdivision restrictions, and exterior entrance requirements for basement suites.
Council gave First Reading to Bylaw #015-26 and approved a Public Hearing scheduled for June 9, 2026, at 11 a.m.
Change of Use Permit – 100 Rainbow Road
Administration (Community Growth and Infrastructure) presented Development Permit #26-19625/210 for an indoor participation recreation facility (indoor golf simulator) with an ancillary restaurant at Unit 210, 100 Rainbow Road. The proposed development would operate within the site’s existing Direct Control district. Administration also reviewed parking requirements and compatibility with surrounding commercial and light industrial uses.
Council approved Development Permit #26-19625/210, subject to the conditions outlined in Attachment B.
Commercial Turnover Rates Review
During discussion on the change of use permit item (#26-19625/210), Council directed Administration to review commercial turnover rates in Chestermere over the last five years and bring a report back to a future meeting of Council, including business locations and business types where feasible.
2026 Seasonal E-Scooter Program
Administration presented a proposed 2026 seasonal e-scooter program that would operate from approximately May through November 2026 using a dockless, app-based rental model with up to 100 e-scooters throughout Chestermere.
The proposed program included a requested $25,000 subsidy to support operations. Administration noted the 2023 pilot program recorded 9,709 rides and identified financial, insurance and public safety considerations related to the program.
Following discussion, Council voted to table the 2026 Seasonal E-Scooter Program to a future Regular Meeting of Council.
Chestermere Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee Recommendations
Administration (Legislative Services) presented recommendations from the Chestermere Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee (CMHAC) related to local heritage preservation initiatives.
Council accepted the committee’s priorities related to establishing a Historical Significance Policy and developing a baseline inventory and integration plan for artifacts from the Chestermere Historical Foundation.
Council also directed Administration to report back by the end of July 2026 on the feasibility of several heritage-related initiatives, including visually documenting the Baldwin and Webster properties, creating a heritage-focused landing page on the City website, and prioritizing a Historical Significance Policy to help guide the protection and preservation of historical sites and artifacts.
Rescindment of Tax Roll Refund
Administration (Office of the CAO) requested a decision regarding the rescindment of a tax roll refund related to property assessment subclass changes. Following additional administrative and legal review related to the matter, Council rescinded the motion approving a tax reimbursement of $4,269.23 for Roll #60507000.
2026 Operating and Capital Final Budget
Administration (Office of the CAO and Finance) presented the 2026 Operating and Capital Budget for Council’s consideration. The budget includes municipal operating expenditures, capital investments, and funding priorities.
Council approved the 2026 Final Operating Budget, as presented.
Council also approved the 2026 Final Capital Budget, including a $12,000 increase for the Aquatic Lake Weed Skimmer project funded through Local Government Fiscal Framework (LGFF). Council also directed Administration to review Policy #447 Restricted Surplus Account and bring forward recommendations by October 2026, and to bring back a report outlining all planned capital projects utilizing LGFF and BCSF funding over the next five years by the end of September 2026. As part of the approval, any capital project that had not been initiated was placed on hold pending further Council approval, with the exception of golf course lease equipment.
Community Standards Bylaw Amendment – First, Second, Third Readings
Administration (Community Operations) requested a decision on Bylaw #012-26, the proposed Community Standards Bylaw. The bylaw would consolidate and update community standards regulations related to public behaviour, property maintenance, and nuisance concerns.
Council gave First Reading to Bylaw #012-26, the proposed Community Standards Bylaw, and approved Second Reading with an amendment related to launching boats or personal watercraft in open space areas without an exception from the Chief Administrative Officer. Council then proceeded with Third and Final Reading of the bylaw.