Municipal Development Plan
A Municipal Development Plan (MDP) is a community’s long-term guide to growth and development.
Chestermere’s 2016 MDP was passed on August 15 and is a 25-year vision plan resulting from two years of public consultation, expert analysis, committee review, regional alignment, and Council consideration.
The MDP helps guide the future actions and decisions of Council and Administration and impacts planning, approvals, policies, bylaw, budgets, services and growth.
What is the vision for Chestermere in 25 years?
Once a summer village on the shores of Chestermere Lake, the Chestermere of 2040 is a place
like no other in the region Accommodating small town and urban lifestyles, Chestermere offers a diversity of housing options. From large lot residential to multi-family with a variety of unit sizes, Chestermere is a place where people of all ages call home.
The City upholds a community design standard that promotes connected and livable streets, where residents can easily access recreation amenities, natural spaces, as well as local services, schools, and employment by foot or vehicle.
Comprised of family-oriented, recreation-based neighbourhoods, Chestermere residents have developed strong community ties and an active lifestyle. Chestermere offers exceptional community services, public facilities, and recreation opportunities that provide all residents security, great civic pride, and a high quality of life.
There are indoor and outdoor public gathering spaces where neighbours meet, interact, celebrate and enjoy cultural and art activities through any season. Through an integrated greenway and open space network, residents are connected to shops, local services, and each other. In Chestermere, you can experience natural open spaces, parks, playgrounds, and pathways for play, recreation, education, and opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of the environment. Communities are anchored by vibrant mixed-use shopping centres that meet the everyday needs of residents and attract shoppers from across the region. Local commercial, office space, health services and education institutions provide ample opportunities for employment, innovative thought and growth to our community.
The City’s commitment to economic development has cultivated the vibrant, flourishing Chestermere
Downtown, as well as several key commercial and employment centres. Without the “hustle and bustle” of an urban setting, Chestermere manages to remain an oasis for recreation and relaxation while providing unique shopping, services and amenities sought out in the region.
Updating the MDP was a 2-year process that included extensive public consultation and research.
What were the major changes?
| Land Use Concept | |
| The Land Use concept now ensures new communities will have some commercial aspect. | |
| Economic Development | Promoted flexibility for the size of commercial buildings to better suit market preferences. |
| Alignment with Regional Goals | Aligns density goals with the Calgary Regional Partnership to accommodate sustainable growth. |
| Housing Density | Promoted a variety of lot sizes and building forms to encourage a broader range of housing options. |
| Park & Open Spaces | When planning for development, holistically consider park spaces and natural areas in order to enhance recreation and environmental benefits. |
| Transportation | The 2016 update has added transportation plans to improve connections for walking, biking, driving and transit to ensure easy movement within the City. |
| Wetlands, Stormwater & Other Utilities | New guidelines have been added that maximize infrastructure uses while reducing environmental impacts. |