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Governance and Priorities Committee Meeting
Boxing Club and Not‑for‑Profit Hub Update
Administration (Office of the CAO) presented the proposed facility located at 101-340 Merganser Drive West, which would provide a permanent home for the Chestermere Boxing Club and space for community organizations. The Committee recommended that Council approve the proposal and location, subject to final approval of operating and capital agreements, and directed Administration to continue working with the Boxing Club and not-for-profit community to advance the project.
2026 Benches and Gazebos Capital Project Update
Administration (Parks) provided an update on park improvements, including sports field benches and bleachers, a gazebo at Sunset Park, BBQ picnic tables, communication boards, bike racks and additional seating. Approximately $89,200 of the $100,000 allocated capital budget has been spent or committed. The Committee accepted the update for information.
Festival of Lights / Diwali Community Engagement Update
Administration (Events) reported that Diwali celebrations in Chestermere are currently supported through family, cultural and faith traditions, with no identified need for a standalone City-hosted event or financial contribution program at this time. Residents supported increased education and enforcement regarding unauthorized fireworks and were open to exploring broader multicultural celebrations in the future. The Committee accepted the update for information.
Chestermere Retail Gap Analysis Study
Administration (Community Growth & Infrastructure – Economic Development) presented a study examining retail leakage, consumer spending, trade area spending potential and the City’s current business inventory. The findings will support business attraction and retention, investment and growth of the City’s non-residential assessment base. Administration will share the study with the Chestermere Chamber of Commerce to support local business engagement. The Committee accepted the study for information.
Commercial Turnover and Business Occupancy Review
Administration (Community Growth & Infrastructure – Development Services) reported that 223 of 275 commercial units are occupied, representing an 81% occupancy rate. Approximately 19% of units experienced tenant turnover over the five-year review period, with roughly 80% of those units successfully re-tenanted. The review identified continued commercial growth and demand across several sectors. Administration will share the findings with the Chestermere Chamber of Commerce to support local business engagement. The Committee accepted the report for information.
Range Road 284 and Chestermere Boulevard Intersection Improvements
Administration (Community Growth & Infrastructure) presented interim traffic signalization as the preferred short-term option to improve safety at the intersection, where collision rates have increased with traffic volumes. The Committee directed Administration to include the project in the 2027 Capital Budget and recommended that Council direct Mayor Dean to send a follow-up letter to Mayor Farkas regarding the improvements.
Rainbow Road North Reconstruction Options
Administration (Community Growth & Infrastructure) presented options for managing Rainbow Road North between Windermere Drive and Highway 1, citing deteriorating road conditions, increased traffic and uncertainty surrounding future development and infrastructure projects. The Committee directed Administration to bring the options back for consideration during budget discussions.
Asset Management Overview and Long-Term Infrastructure Funding
Administration (Asset Management) outlined the City’s progress toward developing an Asset Management Program to support infrastructure planning, lifecycle costing and long-term financial decisions. The Committee accepted the overview for information.
$100,000 Unstructured Recreation Operating Budget
Administration (Community Operations) provided an update on recreation initiatives funded through the Council-approved budget, including volleyball courts, crokicurl, synthetic ice rink, drop-in gym times, trail grooming equipment, outdoor game tables and a snowshoe and cross-country ski loan program. Additional opportunities, including sponsored public skating and a tubing feature, are being explored. The Committee accepted the report for information.
School Sites Update
Administration (Office of the CAO) reported that the Calgary Catholic School District has identified a new elementary/junior high school in its second-year capital plan and is seeking a future high school site in Chestermere. A Catholic school is under construction in Chelsea, with additional sites allocated in Bridgeport and Waterford Estates. Construction is also underway on the Rocky View Schools K-9 school in Dawson’s Landing. The Committee accepted the update for information.
Recreation Update
Administration (Community Operations) advised that a report on the proposed recreation centre is expected Nov. 17, with a year-end update on golf course operations to follow later this year. Meetings with the Chestermere Regional Community Association are also being planned to discuss outstanding matters and future opportunities. The Committee accepted the update for information.