Chestermere City Council approved an $83,631.08 donation to the Chestermere Regional Food Bank during a July 28 meeting that also dealt with land-use changes, property standards, utility planning and a recent spill in the Western Irrigation District canal.
The donation represents the final proceeds from the third annual Mayor and Council Charity Golf Tournament, held June 12. Council approved the full amount for the food bank, which provides emergency food assistance to Chestermere and area residents.
Council also received an update on the recent contaminant spill in the WID canal. According to the City, the spill originated outside Chestermere’s municipal boundaries and protective measures were put in place immediately.
Crews confirmed that no contaminants entered Chestermere Lake. The City and WID are now discussing ways to improve communication and coordination should a similar incident occur in the future.
Two land-use amendments will return for public hearings on Sept. 1.
Council gave first reading to Bylaw 024-26, which proposes changes to land-use districts and the transportation network within the Bridgeport community. The City says the amendments are intended to reflect current development requirements. A public hearing is scheduled for 10 a.m.
Council also gave first reading to Bylaw 031-26, described as a collection of housekeeping changes to the Land Use Bylaw. The proposal would clarify several regulations, bring the bylaw into alignment with previous amendments and allow health-care facilities in additional land-use districts.
The public hearing for Bylaw 031-26 is scheduled for 1 p.m. Although the City’s council highlights initially listed the hearing for 11 a.m., both the formal council resolution and subsequent public notice identify 1 p.m.
Another land-use proposal failed to move forward.
Following a public hearing involving nine participants or written submissions, council defeated second reading of Bylaw 018-26. The bylaw proposed eliminating the Transitional Rural Residential District and redesignating the affected properties as Country Residential. Because second reading was defeated, the proposal will not proceed in its current form.
Council gave all three readings to a new Unsightly and Nuisance Premises Bylaw. Bylaw 021-26 replaces the City’s existing rules governing poorly maintained or nuisance properties.
The updated bylaw expands definitions, clarifies the responsibilities of property owners and introduces enforcement provisions and escalating penalties for repeat violations.
Proposed changes to the bylaw governing the City’s chief administrative officer remain unresolved. Council tabled Bylaw 029-26 while waiting for additional information from the provincial government. The proposed amendments concern council information requests, budget reallocations, procurement reporting and authority related to collective bargaining.
Council also accepted a report examining utility governance, financial policies, rate-setting practices and the long-term funding of utility infrastructure. No utility-rate decision was made at the meeting.
An update on a proposed seasonal e-scooter program was also accepted for information. The City continues to seek provincial legislative changes that would give municipalities clearer authority to regulate and manage shared e-scooter programs. Acceptance of the report did not amount to final approval of a local program.
Appointments intended to fill vacancies on the Chestermere Library Board were tabled following a closed-session discussion.
The meeting began with two community recognitions. Council presented a certificate to Agnel Pontgan Joshi for championship-level achievements in the UCMAS mathematics program at the provincial, national and international levels.
Council also recognized long-time resident Lawrence Mack on his 90th birthday, marking more than 50 years of involvement and contributions within the Chestermere community.
Residents wishing to nominate someone for a future council recognition can submit a request through the Mayor’s Office.