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.
Click here to see the PDF Version
Regular Council Meeting
Moment of Reflection
The meeting commenced with Mayor Dean highlighting the appointment of Councillor Schindler as the new Deputy Mayor, succeeding Councillor Sandboe. Council also acknowledged the upcoming Moose Hide Campaign Day on May 15—a national movement dedicated to ending violence against women and children and advancing reconciliation. Firefighter Colin Fraser was recognized for his impactful mentorship as a youth hockey coach, highlighted through a letter of appreciation from a resident and the presentation of his Alberta Emergency Services Medal for 12 years of service. Fire Chief Zebedee also introduced four new recruits to the Chestermere Fire Department.
Resolution Tracker
CAO Kent Edney provided an update on the 2024 and 2025 Resolution Tracker, which now includes a section detailing completed actions for the current year. Council accepted the report for information.
Community Peace Officer (CPO) Program
Council received a presentation from Jamie Erickson, President of the Alberta Association of Community Peace Officers (AACPO), regarding a Duty Risk Assessment and Mitigation Report for the province’s CPO program. The report outlined 12 safety recommendations. Chestermere was recognized as a provincial leader for its proactive safety measures, including enhanced incident reporting, in-car Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) access through a partnership with the Taber Police Service, and live officer location tracking. Council accepted the presentation for information.
Transit Update
North Rover Corporation presented a proposal for a four-month transit pilot program, potentially running from July to October. The proposed circular route would connect all areas of Chestermere with East Hills, aiming to assess ridership and inform long-term transit planning. Following discussion, Council moved into a closed session for further details. While Council ultimately decided not to proceed with the four-month pilot transit program, it unanimously reaffirmed its commitment to long-term transit planning. Administration has been directed to organize a workshop by the end of July 2025 to explore alternative transit models.
Capital Budget Adjustment
Council approved a $523,000 increase to the Merganser Drive capital project, funded by the Canada Community Building Fund. This adjustment allows road construction to be completed alongside utility and streetlight work, reducing future disruption and enabling cost-effective project delivery. Moreover, the completion of this work is a necessary step forward to meet the requirements for the high school to receive construction funding from Alberta Infrastructure.
Capital Projects Update
CAO Kent Edney presented an interim update on eight key projects from the approved 2025 Capital Budget. A more comprehensive report is expected in late May or early June. Council accepted the preliminary report for information.
Animal Control Bylaw
Council granted second and final readings to the updated Animal Control Bylaw #025-24. The revised bylaw reflects community and Council feedback and introduces clearer guidelines to promote responsible pet ownership and support effective enforcement.
2025 Budget Approval
Council approved the 2025 Final Budget, maintaining the municipal residential tax rate at 3.25% and avoiding the use of reserves. While many residents may see higher tax bills, increases are driven by provincial education requisitions and property assessment growth, factors outside of Council’s control. The budget prioritizes essential services and includes investments in roads, school sites, recreation, and protective services.
Assessment Classes Bylaw
Council gave first reading to Bylaw #025-25, which establishes assessment sub-classes for residential and non-residential properties in Chestermere. Amendments were made to remove the reference to “Annexed Non-Residential” in Sections 4.2(a)(iii) and 5.2. Council also passed second reading and approved proceeding to third and final reading. The bylaw aims to clarify and update property classifications to improve fairness and accuracy in tax assessments. These refinements do not immediately impact tax rates but help ensuring consistency in how properties are assessed over time.
Tabled Agenda Items
The following items were deferred to ensure thorough discussion and will return for decision at the May 27, 2025, regular meeting of Council:
- Item 9.1: Short-Term Rentals Report and Land Use Bylaw Update
- Item 9.2: Development Permit Approval for Skylar Townhomes (248 Kinniburgh Boulevard)
- Item 9.5: 2025 Tax Rate Bylaw
- Item 10.1: Bylaw #019-25 – Chief Administrative Officer Delegation Order Repealing Bylaw
- Item 10.3: Bylaw #004-25 – Procedural Bylaw Amendment
- Item 10.4: Bylaw #022-25 – Election Amendment Bylaw