The City of Chestermere says the Herald is back to their same antics, taking information and twisting it with their latest theatrical click-bait headline, “Alberta government planning to fire Chestermere council, administrators after months of defiance”
The facts are that Council, the CAOs and the City are operating as usual and that will not change as we approach the 2023 year end, with another planned banner year, similar to last year’s record breaking results that lead to $6M in savings and allowed Council to provide residents with a 25% tax mill rate reduction, making the City the lowest in the entire province for cities. It was the largest tax cut in the history of the City of Chestermere.
City Fights Back Against Unfair Treatment by Municipal Affairs
Despite the successes of this Council, Mayor Colvin, Deputy Mayor Hanley, some Councillors and CAOs have been fighting back against what they say is unfair and unjust treatment by Municipal Affairs. They have been working with diligence, honestly, and transparency as they completed each of the directives handed down by Minister. In September of this year, as a result of what the City sees as continual interference and ongoing harassment by the Minister, the CAOs filed a Judicial Review of the Inspection and asked for the Official Administrator to be removed by the Courts. In response the Minister sent another threatening letter.
Minister is Attempting to Slow Down the Judicial Review
Unfortunately, the Minister is attempting to slow down the process by avoiding to produce the records of evidence that are required for the Judicial Review. Despite a Court Order, the City has not received the evidence that lead to the investigation. The very same evidence the City has been requesting to see since the start of the Inspection, and have been continually denied by Municipal Affairs. This action is a breach of Natural Justice and Procedural Fairness which is the foundation of the Canadian judicial system and our democratic governance.
Disregard Ill-informed Opinions
The City ask that residents and staff disregard statements from people like Lori Williams from Mount Royal. People outside the situation do not have the correct information and their opinions are just that, ill-informed opinions. The City is back in court November 9, 2023. Lawyer Jeff W. Moroz has filed an injunction to ensure the Judicial Review is heard, stopping any removal of Council and CAOs.
Mayor Colvin responded,
“I am confident this matter will be put to rest as a result of the Court proceedings. It is Council and CAOs sincere belief the truth must come out for this entire situation to finally be resolved. Residents deserve to have our past cleaned up, to strengthen our future. Council remains committed to completing our important goals for all residents and keeping our high level of performance functioning. We will continue to focus on working extra hard to get our schools built, our recreation facilities, with rinks and the City’s first Pool by the end of our term.”
Council and CAOs are looking forward to working together as they continue to build a vibrant and successful community.