Chestermere-Strathmore MLA Chantelle de Jonge has highlighted a $392,613 provincial investment in Lyalta recreation, adding the project to the local infrastructure and community improvements she has supported during her time in office.
The grant, awarded to the Lakes of Muirfield Homeowners Association, supports the first phase of the Lyalta Recreation and Green Space Vision. It provides provincial backing for an expansion intended to give residents more opportunities to gather and stay active throughout the year.
De Jonge brought attention to the funding in a January constituency update, identifying benefits for Lyalta and neighbouring communities in Wheatland County and Rocky View County.
Her update placed the project before residents across the constituency, explaining how the provincial contribution would support outdoor recreation beyond the immediate Lakes of Muirfield neighbourhood.
The recreation investment sits alongside other regional projects the MLA has publicly supported, including new schools in Chestermere.
On Oct. 7, de Jonge joined Rocky View Schools trustees and project partners at the groundbreaking for a new kindergarten to Grade 9 school in Dawson’s Landing. The school is expected to open in September 2028 with space for 905 students.
She also joined municipal and education representatives at the June 2025 groundbreaking for a new Catholic kindergarten to Grade 9 school in the same neighbourhood.
Those appearances and her constituency updates document her involvement in communicating provincial investments and supporting projects serving local families throughout the communities she represents.
In Lyalta, the proposed recreation expansion would build on an existing community gathering place near the entrance to Lakes of Muirfield.
The grounds already accommodate a community hall, two ball diamonds, camping space and a dog park. The expansion would add activities while retaining the site’s role as a destination for community recreation.
Plans include a four-season sports court that would accommodate skating and hockey in winter, with basketball and pickleball among the warmer-weather activities. A soccer field, additional parking and a new entrance are also proposed.
A planned building would provide change rooms, equipment storage and an accessible, gender-neutral washroom.
Wheatland County’s Municipal Planning Commission approved the development in August, subject to 16 conditions, including engineering reviews and access requirements.
The approval included requirements addressing servicing and stormwater arrangements before the new amenities can be used, making those reviews part of the development process.
The project also reflects contributions from local organizations and municipal government.
In May 2025, county council approved reimbursing the Lyalta Community Club and homeowners association $52,697.37 for costs associated with purchasing 7.5 acres for the expanded grounds.
Council separately approved an estimated $71,920 in county work for an east parking lot and rough grading of a sports field.
The volunteer-run community club supports its operations through bookings and memberships, with facilities available for events, baseball and camping.
For de Jonge, the recreation grant is another local investment she has put before constituents. For the community organizations advancing the project, it is financial support toward turning plans for expanded recreation into facilities residents can use closer to home in every season.