Disclaimer: Council Highlights are for information purposes only. Draft and official meeting minutes are normally published within two weeks, pending approval. To view the minutes and full agenda package, please visit our Agendas and Minutes page. To watch the full meeting video, please visit our YouTube channel.
Organizational & Regular Meeting of Council
Organizational Meeting of Council:
Council Recognitions and Announcements
Mayor Shannon Dean opened the Organizational Meeting by acknowledging the tragedy at CFB Wainwright, where four Canadian Armed Forces members lost their lives and several others were injured during a training exercise. The Mayor expressed condolences to their families, friends, colleagues and fellow service members affected by the loss, and acknowledged the sacrifices made by members of the Canadian Armed Forces. As a sign of respect, the City lowered its flags to half mast, and Council, Administration and attendees observed a moment of silence.
Procedural Bylaw Annual Review
Administration (Strategic Services) presented the annual review of Bylaw #001-26, the Procedural Bylaw. Council directed Administration to return with proposed amendments by the end of November 2026, including changes related to electronic attendance notice, meeting types listed in Section 6.2 and wording in Section 8.1.3. Council accepted the annual review for information.
2027 Council Calendar
Administration (Legislative Services) presented the proposed 2027 Council Calendar. Council adopted the calendar as presented.
Elected Officials Remuneration and Expenses Policy Review
Administration (Strategic Services) presented the annual review of Policy #837, Elected Officials Remuneration and Expenses. Council directed Administration to review the policy, excluding Schedule A, and return with proposed amendments by the end of March 2027.
Deputy Mayor Rotation Schedule
Administration (Legislative Services) presented the existing Deputy Mayor Rotation Schedule, which establishes an eight-month rotation among Council members through 2029. Council accepted the schedule for information.
Council Committee Governance Framework
Administration (Strategic Services) presented a new Council Committee Governance Framework establishing six committees: Recreation, Chestermere Lake Advisory, Chestermere Economic Development Advisory, Municipal Policing, Not-for-Profit Advisory, and Heritage and Community Advisory. Council gave first reading to Bylaw #038-26, the Committee Bylaw, approved amendments related to committee meeting procedures and virtual attendance and gave second and third readings to the bylaw.
Chestermere Economic Development Advisory Committee
Council approved the amended Terms of Reference for the Chestermere Economic Development Advisory Committee (CEDAC). Amendments included increasing public membership from four to seven, allowing non-resident applicants to be considered on a case-by-case basis and clarifying meeting and governance procedures.
Chestermere Lake Advisory Committee
Council approved the amended Terms of Reference for the Chestermere Lake Advisory Committee, which will provide community input on lake stewardship, public use, recreation, education and safety. Amendments clarified appointment and attendance provisions, established an initial organizational meeting and required at least four additional meetings annually.
Heritage and Community Advisory Committee
Council approved the amended Terms of Reference for the Heritage and Community Advisory Committee. Changes included adding representatives from the Chestermere Historical Society and Older Adults Coalition of Chestermere, increasing resident-at-large positions to four and prioritizing applicants with diverse experiences, backgrounds and community connections.
Municipal Policing Committee Bylaw
Administration presented Bylaw #033-26, establishing the Municipal Policing Committee under provincial legislation. Council gave first, second and third reading to the bylaw.
Municipal Policing Committee Terms of Reference
Council approved the amended Terms of Reference for the Municipal Policing Committee. The amendments require an initial organizational meeting to appoint a Chair and Vice Chair, establish a meeting schedule and review governing documents. The committee must meet at least four times annually, in addition to meetings required to fulfil its legislated responsibilities.
Not-for-Profit Advisory Committee
Council approved the amended Terms of Reference for the Not-for-Profit Advisory Committee, which will support collaboration among community organizations and identify shared needs and opportunities to work with the City. Amendments clarified attendance, appointment and meeting procedures, including an initial organizational meeting followed by at least four additional meetings annually.
Minor Sports Advisory Committee – Terms of Reference
Council approved amendments to the Minor Sports Advisory Committee Terms of Reference, restructuring the committee as an open sector forum. Eligible Chestermere minor sport organizations can participate through designated representatives without requiring formal Council appointments.
Committee Governance Framework – Committee Policy Rescissions
Council rescinded policies governing the former Not-for-Profit Committee, Chestermere Economic Development Advisory Committee, Recreation Committee, Chestermere Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee, Seniors Advisory Committee, and Lake and Watershed Advisory Committee as part of the transition to the new committee governance framework.
Council and External Committee Appointments
Council appointed members to Council committees and external boards for the 2026–2027 term, including economic development, heritage and community, not-for-profit, lake advisory, municipal policing and minor sports committees, as well as regional and intermunicipal organizations. Council also appointed Mayor Dean to the Municipal Policing Committee and directed Administration to transition members of the former Chestermere Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee to the new Heritage and Community Advisory Committee.
Regular Meeting of Council :
Council Recognitions and Announcements
Council recognized Community Futures Wild Rose for receiving an award recognizing its contributions to regional economic development. Councillor Sandboe, who serves on the organization, noted Chestermere is part of one of Alberta’s highest-achieving Community Futures offices. The federal government evaluates Community Futures organizations on performance indicators, including job creation and retention in rural communities.
Development Permit #26-51572 – Minor Home Business
Administration (Community Growth & Infrastructure – Development Services) presented Development Permit #26-51572 for a minor home business at 232-300 Marina Drive. The proposed business involves administrative work for a wholesale vehicle sales business, with no vehicle sales, customer visits, vehicle storage or servicing on site. Council approved the application, subject to the conditions in Attachment A.
Grant Funding Process Review
Council directed Administration to develop a process plan covering the full grant funding cycle, including how priorities are established, the roles of Council, Administration and the Grant Adjudication Committee, annual timelines, application and evaluation requirements, decision authorities, and reporting and accountability measures. Administration will return the proposed process to Council for approval before the next grant intake.
Closed Session Motions
Council appointed Wayne Michel and Antonio Maia Pinto to the Municipal Policing Committee, for a term beginning October 20, 2026, and ending December 31, 2028.
Council directed Mayor Dean to write to the provincial and federal governments regarding concerns about Community Futures Wild Rose.