Published since 2000, The Chestermere Anchor News Magazine is a hyper-local digital publication that provides readers local news coverage, community and social events, information on local shopping, and contemporary coverage of arts and entertainment.
The Anchor reaches more than 30,000 active, educated and affluent readers, who look to the Anchor to guide their lifestyle, shopping and entertainment choices. Readers rely on the Anchor’s coverage of local social issues, politics, arts and culture to keep themselves apprised of what is happening in their community.
The residents of Chestermere, Langdon, Conrich, Lyalta, and area are nothing like you’ve seen elsewhere in the region. Literate, Highly articulate, Politically aware, and Socially conscious. They are a group with a mind all their own.
To reach out to our eclectic group of readers, you need an eclectic publication. The Chestermere Anchor’s magazine style reaches that group of people.
Hyper-Local news has always occupied a specific niche in the media marketplace. We are a vehicle for highly localized communications, linked to community interests and issues.
The views, opinions and positions expressed by all columnists and contributors are the author’s alone. They do not inherently or expressly reflect the views, opinions and/or positions of The Chestermere Anchor News Magazineor Anchor Media Inc.
Council has been directed to provide financial information to municipal affairs monthly.
By Emily Rogers
Chestermere City Council is seeking clarification from municipal affairs on completing financial directives. Based on the findings of the municipal inspection report, municipal affairs directed city council to provide account reconciliations monthly.
During the April 4 council meeting, city administration was directed by council to communicate with municipal affairs seeking clarification on dates, timelines, and data contents, to enable city staffers to meet the requirements of the ministerial order.
“The ministerial order indicates we will have our official administrator at council meetings, and the understanding of providing the minister financial information monthly,” Mayor Jeff Colvin said. “One question that’s been brought up is the timing.”
City Councillor Blaine Funk expressed concerns if administration can meet the time deadline.
“If we don’t have the reporting in place, it will be difficult for administration to meet those requirements,” Funk said. “We need to make
sure we’re all on the same page for what we’re aiming for, and what the actual deliverables are.”
City Councillor Stephen Hanley added, “My concern is the order is very vague. It’s very unclear as to what that order indicates.”
Colvin explained that the city’s financial team is working on the CUI audit, the city’s 2022 audit, and finishing the city’s 2021 audit.
“Our focus is on completing the directives we’ve been presented,”
Colvin said. “We should continue to speak with administration, find out how they can fit this into their schedule, and how they can accomplish
it on a go-forward basis in conjunction with the city requirements.”
Colvin recommended city staff and the Chief Administrative Officers (CAOs) reached out to municipal affairs for clarity on the timeline.
“I don’t think municipal affairs is trying to cause undue hardship, I think this needs to be flushed out soon, exactly how the city accomplishes this among the other tasks staff is doing,” Colvin said.
Ahockey initiative to boost morale throughout the community and prevent COVID fatigue among residents is continuing to grow.
Brent Ladds and former Chestermere resident Peter Carriere started the Hump Hockey initiative, with the goal of getting residents exercising again to improve overall mental health that was impacted by the pandemic by playing hockey every Wednesday afternoon.
Hump Hockey has continued to grow from last year having between five and seven players on each team, to now having 22 players per game, and a total of 46 registrants.
“In addition to the physical activity and the natural love of playing hockey that everyone has, it has created a social environment, that all players have taken advantage of, especially some of the new residents who have relocated in Chestermere,” Ladds said. “We have approximately four new residents who have joined us, and the program has been instrumental in being a catalyst for them to meet their neighbours.”
Hump Hockey has not only contributed to the overall physical wellness of residents, but it has also become a social hub for the players.
Players talk about local politics, provincial issues, NHL news, local notfor-profit events coming up in the community, the last golf season and the upcoming golf season.
“It has really been an open door for new residents to get to know likeminded people,” Ladds said.
On March 29, the Hump Hockey season finished with a championship game.
The championship game had 30 players, with City Councillor Shannon Dean officiating, Chestermere real-agent Don Monpetit, and Allan Maillot of First General Responders as guest coaches, and Tim Reid of Inland machine Services sponsoring a souvenir hat for all of the players.
“For the second season in a row, the Dark Jersey Team coached by Don Monpetit won the final game,” Ladds said.
After the game, 81-year-old participant Tom Lannone was presented with a personalized Flin Flon Bombers jersey.
“In accepting the jersey, he stated how great the experience has been playing with this group, because, notwithstanding the differences in age and playing experiences, everyone is very respectful of everyone’s ability,” Ladds said.
Lannone played junior hockey in Flin Flon, Man., and went on to play in the Western Professional Hockey League with the Seattle Totems, winning two championships in 1967 and 1968, Ladds noted.
For Ladds and Carriere, watching the initiative grow each year and develop into the program they had previously envisioned has been a highlight from the last season.
“The assistance we received from the players who initially showed interest, in helping us expand our network has been greatly appreciated,” Ladds said.
Anyone interested in registering for the next season is encouraged to email Ladds at brent@in.on.ca.
Student rehearsals are underway for the Chestermere High School’s (CHS) rendition of Chicago in May.
Reese Cox, a Grade 12 performing arts student brought forward the idea of performing Chicago to Drama and English Teacher Christine Fulthorpe in December.
“He suggested that we have the dancing and singing abilities,” Fulthorpe said. “I told the class I wouldn’t even entertain the idea of a musical, but the storyline of Chicago really grabbed my attention.”
Auditions began in early January, with rehearsals officially starting on Jan. 30, to prepare for multiple performances.
“The dedication of these students is outstanding, this is a ton of work, and the process is extremely time-consuming,” Fulthorpe said. “Rehearsals have been going so well.”
Fulthorpe had multiple Grade 12 students share their dance experience and take on choreography roles.
Advaitha Bhardjwar and Neda Ljaljevic have led the dances and are teaching the dances to the class.
Performers have also been working with band director and singing coach, Jessica Ploughman.
Fulthorpe noted that Ploughman has been leading the jazz band students to learn the music of Chicago and instructing them on how to accompany the performers during singing numbers.
Production students are working to build sets and props, light the show, and act as stagehands during the performances.
“The production students have been hard at work with a lot of painting and developing set pieces that are conducive to a musical,” Fulthorpe said. “Everyone has come together and has been working so hard. It is going to be spectacular.”
In addition to scheduled rehearsals, students are working during lunch breaks and in the morning before school starts.
“Students are responsible for attending all rehearsals, and all shows and knowing their lines, songs, and dance numbers. Production students are responsible for creating the visuals for the play, including props, sets, painting, lighting, tech, and the sound effects,” Fulthorpe said.
Without the support of dedicated staff members, Ploughman, Mrs. Jones, Mrs. Perry, Ms. Vo and Ms. Boutilier, and the CHS Parent Council, the performance wouldn’t be possible.
Getting involved in the performing arts not only allows students to express their creativity, and get out of their comfort zone, but it also gives students an opportunity to build relationships and build confidence.
“It is beneficial to the development of adolescent and young children because it teaches team-working skills, discipline and determination, and empathy,” a student said.
“Getting involved in the performing arts is important because it showcases a wide range of unique and interesting abilities. It helps people step out of their comfort zone and explore various aspects of the arts community such as singing, acting, painting, dancing, and sculpting. Performing arts encourages people to have fun and make good friends which are important skills for everyday people. It also aids the development of perseverance and commitment capabilities. Performing arts is a fun class to be a part of,” a student noted.
Another student added, “Getting involved in performing arts gives that person the opportunity to express and learn more about creativity and how there are so many different areas to be a part of when doing a production. It also allows these creativities to be shared without the fear of judgment or ridicule as we are all working insanely hard to make something that we will be proud to share with others.”
Fulthorpe is hopeful that her students will experience what it means to be a part of a community, on and off the stage.
“They need to come together and collectively put on a show. Something to showcase to the Chestermere, Langdon and the Calgary area. We encourage all to come out and witness the talents of CHS,” Fulthorpe said.
Opening night of Chicago is May 31 at 7 p.m., followed by a June 1, 7 p.m. show, a June 3, 1 p.m. performance, and a June 3, 7 p.m., finale.
“I want to share my appreciation and admiration for these students. They brought this idea forward,” Fulthorpe said. “They have been executing it to perfection and are ready to showcase their talents to the community.”
Fulthorpe encourages community members who have donations such as cardboard, paint, and building materials, or are interested in sponsoring Chicago, to email her at cfulthorpe@ rockyview.ab.ca.
“We are a community-based program, and the students would be ecstatic to advertise your business during the run of our show,” she said.
“Everyone has come together and has been working so hard. It is going to be spectacular.”Students have been rehearsing three days a week, in addition to practicing during lunch breaks, and before classes start everyday. Photo/Christine Fulthorpe
Students have been learning their lines, songs, and dances, along with building sets, props, and learning lighting, and sound effects.
Chestermere High School students are busy rehearsing for the upcoming Chicago performance in May.
The provincial government is changing the Graduated Driver’s Licensing (GDL) program for young drivers.
By April 1, eligible drivers over 18, who have completed a 24-month probationary driving period and are currently in the GDL program won’t have to take an advanced road test to receive their full Class 5 driver’s licence.
“There are close to half a million drivers who will benefit from this. These changes will help GDL drivers exit the program and apply for other classes of driver’s licences whether it’s for a semi-truck, gravel truck or bus,” said Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors. About 700,000 Albertans are currently in the GDL program, and approximately 500,000 drivers are eligible to exit the GDL program. Over the last five years, about 65 per cent of drivers didn’t take an advanced road test, a government of Alberta press release said.
All restrictions of a GDL licence will remain in place until the driver has received a government letter indicating they have finished the program.
Drivers who need to confirm their eligibility urgently can visit a registry agent’s office.
“This is a good common-sense approach that cuts red tape. Albertans have told us this was red tape - we listened and are addressing it. This change will also help make driver’s licenses more affordable for Albertans,” said Dale Nally, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction. On June 25, the provincial government will implement technology that will exit eligible Albertans who have demonstrated safe driving behaviours from GDL status to non-GDL.
Drivers must have no suspensions or demerits within their last 12 months of probation, and zero tolerance for any alcohol or drug consumption, the release said.
Drivers who have shown poor driving behaviours, have demerits, or are ticketed for unsafe driving offences during the last year will have their probationary period extended for another year.
The Hockey Marathon for the Kids is supporting children fighting cancer. The puck will drop on April 5, 2024, at the Chestermere Recreation Centre, as 40 players challenge the Guinness World Record for the longest hockey game until April 16.
“This past year has made all of us so much more aware of the fact that to fight viruses and life-threatening diseases, we need the best healthcare resources and the best science,” said lead event organizer Alex Halat. “We wish kids didn’t get cancer. But they do and they need us. We think Calgary and Chestermere and the surrounding area is ready to make this the biggest fundraiser yet.”
Chestermere previously set the world record for the longest hockey game in 2012, 2014, and again in 2022, raising nearly $4 million for the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Players will skate for more than 262 consecutive hours to set the new record, a Hockey Marathon for the Kids press release said.
“It will be an ultimate battle, all to benefit children and their families in our community,” the release said.
The funds raised through the hockey marathon will be used to support clinical trials, and novel therapies to improve the outcomes of treating the disease.
The Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Experimental and Novel Therapies (PHOENIX) program at the Alberta Children’s Hospital is working to make new treatments possible for children.
“With a goal to double the number of clinical trials available, the PHOENIX team envisions a future in which every eligible child coming through the doors of the Alberta Children’s Hospital with hard-totreat cancers and blood disorders is enrolled in a clinical trial or treatment with a novel therapy, offering them hope for a better future,” the release said.
“We are so grateful to our community and big-hearted people who go to truly extraordinary lengths to help children with cancer. Just like we cheer for these kids and families facing a cancer diagnosis, we will be cheering these incredible Hockey Marathon players every step of the way,” said Saifa Koonar, President, and CEO of the Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation. For additional information and updates about the event, visit http://www. hockeymarathon.com.
By Emily Rogers
The provincial government is taking steps to improve emergency medical services (EMS) response times with a new investment.
In 2023-24, the government of Alberta is investing $723 million in operating funds for EMS to support EMS priority actions, including additional ambulances, workforce initiatives, training and mental health supports, enhancements to the medical first response program, public education and response, and expanding the vital health response program. “We are adding new ambulances and front-line staff and investing in solutions now and into the future to make sure ambulances arrive as fast as possible when Albertans call 911 for a medical emergency,” said Jason Copping, Minister of Health.
The funding boost will support implementing the Health Care Action Plan priorities, and Alberta EMS Provincial Advisory Committee recommendations to improve response time, and work culture, a government of Alberta press release said.
“Budget 2023 delivers the needed support to the front line and adds more resources to implement the Alberta EMS Provincial Advisory Committee recommendations. The additional funding will help ease worker fatigue and provide more mental health support to improve the work environment for all EMS staff,” said RJ Sigurdson, parliamentary secretary, of EMS Reform.
To improve response time, more staff and ambulances will be on Alberta
roadways, and more than $1.5 million will be allocated to hire and train staff to improve the central dispatch system.
“Front-line staff and community partners asked for more support to create better work environments,” the release said.
Budget 2023 allocates funding to improve scheduling practices for more breaks, more flexibility in the length of shifts, opportunities to take time off and provides more training and development opportunities.
Nearly $1 million will go towards boosting mental health support for EMS staff across the province, and $3 million will address paramedic fatigue in rural communities, the release said.
“This funding increase enables aggressive action on our priority of improving emergency response times. We will hire more staff, increase hours of ambulance capacity, expand partnerships with other community supports and deliver innovative projects. This is about getting Albertans the care they need, where and when they need it,” said Mauro Chies, president and CEO, of Alberta Health Services.
Alberta’s Health Care Action Plan is addressing EMS response times by transferring non-urgent calls to Health Link.
“All these actions will reduce EMS response time by empowering paramedics to focus efforts on urgent calls and diverting them away from situations when their level of care is not medically required,” the release said.
Chestermere City Council gave the first and second readings of amendments to the code of conduct for elected officials bylaw, as directed by Municipal Affairs.
At the April 4 council meeting, city administration was directed to send a consolidated version of the bylaw for council consideration to be brought back for third reading by the April 18 council meeting.
Code of conduct bylaw amendments were included in the Municipal Affairs directives for Chestermere City Council, based on the findings from the municipal inspection report.
Minister of Municipal Affairs Rebecca Schulz directed city council to repeal and amend the bylaw to remove all provisions authorizing council to conduct preliminary reviews of code of conduct complaints.
Council was directed to appoint an independent third party to handle all complaints, including receiving complaints, conducting reviews, documenting, investigating, and presenting the findings and recommendations to council.
“The purpose of this code of conduct is to provide standards for the conduct of council members relating to their roles and obligations as elected representatives of the City of Chestermere and a procedure for the investigation and enforcement of those standards, the council presentation said. “This code of conduct is one aspect of accountability and transparency both internally, as among members and as between city council and city staff, as well as externally, with other orders of government, the media, and the public at large.”
Under the amendments, council will appoint an investigator by resolution, following a competitive procurement process, ensuring the individual is not currently employed by the city, and has previous municipal governance experience.
A formal complaint must be submitted in writing directly to the investigator, by mail, e-mail, or through the code of conduct complaint
form. If any complaints are submitted to the city, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) will direct the complainant to submit the complaint to the investigator.
Formal complaints must meet a series of requirements including, the complainant’s full name, contact information, the elected official allegedly breaching the code, along with a detailed description of facts, identifying any witnesses or records relating to the incident.
After receiving the complaint, the investigator will begin a preliminary review of the complaint, determining whether to proceed with a formal investigation or dispose of the complaint.
During the preliminary review, the investigator can request the elected official to answer questions or provide records.
The review will consider if the complaint is within the scope of the bylaw, the context and intent of the complaint and if further action will serve the purposes of the complaint process.
Based on the findings of the preliminary review, the investigator will confirm in writing to the CAO if a formal investigation will be conducted.
If the complaint does not relate to non-compliance with the code of conduct bylaw, the investigator will advise the CAO and council that the complaint is not within the jurisdiction of the bylaw.
The investigator will not be under obligation to proceed with an investigation if it’s determined the complaint is frivolous or not made in good faith.
When the investigation is complete, the investigator will prepare a report outlining the complaint received, the findings, contraventions of the code of conduct, and any recommendations for corrective action.
Funds for the investigator will be allocated from council’s budget using contracted services or legal expenses line items. Final costs will be publicly disclosed to city council.
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Beautiful landscaping can add instant curb appeal to a property. But beauty isn’t the only thing that makes idyllic landscaping attractive to homeowners. Some landscaping features, such as shade trees, save homeowners money while adding aesthetic appeal.
The U.S. Department of Energy notes that shading is the most cost-effective way to reduce solar heat gain in a home. Shading also cuts air conditioning costs, which tend to be expensive in areas with warm, humid climates. In fact, the DOE notes that wellplanned landscapes can reduce unshaded homes’ air conditioning costs by anywhere from 15 to 50 percent.
When planting shade trees, one of the first decisions homeowners will need to make is which type of tree, deciduous or evergreen, they want to plant. Deciduous trees are those that seasonally shed their leaves, while evergreens are trees that keep their leaves throughout the year. Deciduous trees can help keep homes cool in the summer by blocking sun, and those same trees can be beneficial in winter after they shed their leaves by letting the sun in and keeping homes warm. But evergreens also can be beneficial in winter by blocking wind, potentially preventing cold air from making its way into a home through cracks in walls or around windows.
When planting shade trees, techniques vary depending on which type of tree homeowners ultimately choose to plant.
The DOE says that deciduous trees that are between six and eight feet tall when planted will begin shading the windows of a home within a year of being planted. Depending on
the species of the plant and the home, those same deciduous trees may begin shading the roof within five to 10 years of being planted. When planting deciduous trees, homeowners should keep these tips in mind.
• Plant trees to the south of the home. When planted to the south of the home, deciduous trees can screen between 70 and 90 percent of the summer sun while still allowing residents to feel summer breezes.
• Consider sun angles. Homeowners who want to shade their homes from low afternoon sun angles should plant trees with crowns that are lower to the ground on the west side of their homes.
• Cool air before it reaches your home. Shrubs and groundcover plants can be planted to cool air before it reaches a home.
Planting evergreens to block wind is known as “windbreaking,” which lowers the wind chill near a home. Wind also can be used to cool a home in summer. But these benefits can only be realized when evergreens are strategically planted.
• Location, location, location: The DOE advises planting evergreen trees to the north and northwest of the home to stop wind. In addition, to get the most bang for your windbreaking buck, the distance between the home and windbreak should be two to five times the height of the mature tree.
• Plant trees on either side of the house. Planting trees on either side of the house will direct cooling winds toward the home in the summer.
Shade trees can help homeowners reduce their energy bills, making them valuable and attractive additions to any landscape.
Clean mirrors, windows and glass furniture add instant sparkle to your decor. In your haste to get the shine, you may make mistakes that cause you to double your efforts. Avoid these five habits to get the best results the first time.
1. Cleaning when the weather or lighting is bad, like freezing rain or glaring sun
2. Neglecting to dust surrounding spaces, like mirror frames, before cleaning
3. Using a poor-quality cleaning solution
4. Drying surfaces with a non-absorbent, dirty or lint-covered cloth
5. Forgetting to wipe the squeegee after each pass
Purchase the best cleaning products and accessories at your local stores. You could also try hiring a cleaning pro for dazzling results.
Tackling spring cleaning without first decluttering a few rooms, drawers, or cupboards can be futile. Is this task worth the effort? The answer is a resounding yes. Getting rid of unnecessary things gives you, among other things, an incredible feeling of lightness and well-being. Here are a few tips on how to make this chore go smoothly.
Many find that sorting through their belongings brings up various emotions. Can you relate? To lighten the emotional load, start with items with little or no sentimental va lue , such as leftover renovation materials or take-out containers that can go in the recycling bin.
Once you’ve done this, sort through other items. When deciding if you should keep something, ask yourself if it’s useful.
If you haven’t used it in over a year, it’s not essential. If you’re reluctant to part with an expensive item, remember that you can sell it to someone else who can give it a new life.
If you have several duplicates of nearly identical items, keep only one or two (the least worn, for example). If you’ve been hoarding clothes that no longer fit, be realistic. Sell them if they’re in good shape or donate them to an organization that helps needy people.
After decluttering, reward yourself with a relaxing massage or meal out.
Washing painted walls can be tricky and requires special care. Follow these steps to avoid marring the paint or leaving unsightly scuffs.
1. Gently remove dust and cobwebs with a vacuum cleaner or duster.
2. Place old towels along the baseboards to absorb excess water.
3. Wash the walls with a sponge or mop, working from top to bottom. Gently scrub away stains as needed. Water alone is usually sufficient for surface dirt, but you may need to use a mild detergent for stubborn stains.
4. Dry the cleaned and rinsed surfaces with a fresh cloth as you go.
Psst! The darker the paint colour and the more matte the finish, the less scrubbing you should do.
While spring cleaning your home, don’t forget about textiles. Here are a few tips for cleaning your quilts, bedspreads, curtains, cushions, duvet covers and more.
1. Before putting any textiles in the washing machine, shake out all the dust and debris or vacuum them. This will make cleaning more effective.
2. Me tal accessories such as zippers can damage delicate fabrics. Don’t take any chances! Wash your delicates in a separate load. Also, place particularly fragile fabrics, like lace, in a mesh laundry bag.
3. Use a mild detergent, and don’t use bleach, which can discolour your fabrics.
5. The drying method you use depends on the fabric type. You can generally use the dryer for heavy-duty texti les. However, hang other materials to air dry before steaming or ironing them.
have high walls
4. Wash your fabrics in cold water on the delicate or normal cycle. Follow the care instructions on the label whenever possible.
If you have any items with special cleaning needs, bring them to your local dry cleaner.
Have you finished most of your spring cleaning but haven’t washed your floors? Here are a few tips for maintaining your flooring without damaging it.
• Ceramic tiles. Clean the grout lines with a product specifically designed for this purpose. After letting the product soak in, scrub the grout with a clean brush or cloth and rinse. You can easily clean the surface of the tiles with a mixture of water and white vinegar.
• Vinyl. This popular material is easy to care for and will look new for years. Gently mop the floor with a vinyl cleaner to remove grime. Then, rinse with clean water and let dry.
• Floating floor. This type of flooring is practical and attractive but vulnerable to moisture. Therefore, avoid soaking it with water when washing it. Purchase a product designed for floating floors. Follow the instructions to restore your floor to its former glory.
• Hardwood. Restore the shine of this elegant material with an environmentally friendly, no-rinse cleaner. That way, you won’t leave behind streaks or residue. Avoid using scouring pads and other aggressive tools to remove stains. These items could damage the floor’s finish.
Visit local stores to find products and accessories to make your floors shine.
Have you carefully sorted your belongings down to the essentials, but your home is still a mess? Don’t worry! Here are a few tips to help you tidy up.
1. Take advantage of space. Go around your home and look for unused spaces underneath staircases and beds, over cupboards and behind doors. Make the most of this space with hooks, shelves and storage bins.
2. St ore seasonal items. For instance, put your camping gear and Christmas decorations in marked bins or bags and store them in your basement or shed. Make sure these items are easily accessible when you need them.
3. Keep frequently used items at hand. It doesn’t make sense to stow away items you use several times a day or week. Instead, place them within easy reach or on attractive displays. Keep rarely used products out of sight unless they’re particularly decorative.
4. Invest in multifunctional furniture. Convertible furniture, multi-purpose shelving and storage benches or ottomans are perfect for stowing away things in style. Visit your local stores to explore your options.
Consult a specialist in your area for personalized advice on organizing your home.
No matter what type of flooring you have, remove debris, crumbs and dust with a broom, vacuum or cloth before you start cleaning.
(NC) There’s nothing quite like plucking a fresh head of lettuce or the first green bean from your own garden. It’s not only rewarding, it’s good for the environment. Gardening helps to improve air and soil quality. Plants help protect the soil, recycle nutrients and provide homes for animals. Gardening also helps protect local wildlife and pollinators. Whether you’re new to gardening or you’ve been at it for years, here’s how you can get a head start on growing season.
Start thinking about what you want to grow, and how you’ll arrange the garden. Remember that when different plants are grown side by side they sometimes give each other a leg up in becoming hearty, nutrient-rich food. Sometimes called interplanting, this technique has been
used for centuries by Indigenous growers, namely with beans, corn and squash –often called the three sisters. Make note of local frost dates and find out what else might grow well together to help you plan out your plot of land.
A healthy garden starts with healthy soil, so when the ground has thawed a little, it’s time to check it out. Toss a handful of soil back and forth from hand to hand. If it’s dark coloured, falls apart easily and smells fresh and alive, then you know you’re in good shape. If it’s not – maybe it seems musty or smells bad – then it’s time to add some compost or manure to the top 10 to 15 centimetres.
While weeding is a good practice, and mulching can help prevent weeds’ return, tilling your soil (i.e. turning it over and breaking it up) should be done with care. Tilling or raking too much can disrupt the activity of worms and microorganisms that keeps it fresh and healthy for plants. Only till in spots where you plan to plant directly or if you are mixing manure into the top of a new garden bed.
While you take on these steps individually, Canadian farmers and agricultural businesses also work to bring responsibly grown food to our tables. Using cutting-edge farming practices, they can help preserve the environment and support community wellbeing. Find more information about how they’re feeding Canadians and growing a better future at canada.ca/taste-the-commitment.
(NC) Many of us would love to bask in a little extra living space, whether it’s for yoga, band practice or a just an extra hang out. Whatever the size and state of your outdoor space - not to mention your budget – there are plenty of ways to transform your backyard. Here are some considerations for planning your private oasis:
Exploring your vision
Why do you want this retreat and how are you going to use it? Will it be your art studio, a cozy book nook or a space to watch the game? Will it be summer-party central or a place to escape the world? Your dream of uses for the space influence crucial details such as size, layout and whether it’s enclosed or open air.
Do your research to find materials and solutions that work best with your ideas. Determine the money you can and want to spend - and the smart ways to use it. If you plan to build a structure, there are plenty of options for every budget, whether you choose a prefabricated model, a do-it-yourself kit or design it from scratch. Just double check if you need local building permits. You may need to pay a fee, but skipping it risks having to tear down your work or pay greater fees if you’re caught.
As exciting as it might be to have a new slice of paradise, don’t forget essential safety steps, such as smoke and carbon monoxide alarms for a cabin or outdoor kitchen and leave plumbing or electrical work to licensed professionals. Also be aware of what’s safe to store in your new space and consider who has access to your items. Aside from installing theft deterrents like cameras, think about risks to kids or animals - from toxic art supplies to your cannabis products - and setup suitable storage.
When it comes to cannabis, particularly edible cannabis, always keep it locked out of sight in its plain, child-resistant packaging to avoid accidental harm. If they can access it, children and pets can unintentionally poison themselves. Never keep cannabis products near food or drinks in your backyard.
You can find more information about safety with legal cannabis at canada.ca/
Being a victim of theft — or a home invasion — is a horrifying experience that we all want to avoid at all costs. Fortunately, several options exist to discourage thieves from breaking into your home. Here are four that can help you feel more safe and secure.
1. ALARM SYSTEMS
Home security alarm systems are increasingly sophisticated and accessible. In fact, homeowners can now protect their property remotely and at any hour of the day or night by using “smart” surveillance cameras and motion detectors. Such devices can be connected to security company switchboards or even to the homeowner’s WiFi connected tablet, phone or computer.
The latest alarm systems typically include:
• Fire detectors
• Window breakage detectors
• Water leak detectors
• Carbon monoxide detectors
• Lighting control
• Thermostat control
• Notification of the locking and unlocking of doors
Tip: be sure to choose a recognized professional to install and maintain your alarm system. Ask family or friends for references or consult consumer protection organizations to find the right people for the job.
2. BURGLAR-PROOF WINDOWS
To discourage thieves from targeting your home, consider replacing your windows with high security models fitted with reinforced glass. These windows are incredibly resistant and are effective as a deterrent to thie ves, who will most likely want to try their luck somewhere else. Check with local window manufacturers and installers to find out more.
3. ANTITHEFT LOCKS
Cheap locks can be easily picked by thieves, even inexperienced ones. In other words, your possessions aren’t necessarily protected when you lock your doors before leaving home. Several reputable companies (Medeco, Abloy, Mul T Lock, Corbin and Ilco) have developed highend locks that sell from around $200. Here are a few examples:
• Key control locks
• Doublecylinder deadbolt locks
• High-security rotary disk locks
• Code (or combination) locks
• Fingerprint locks
• Locks controlled via a Bluetooth system
Alarm systems, windows, doors and locks: several products can help you protect your most valuable possessions.
Check with locksmiths in your area to find a suitable model that will deter thieves.
4. REINFORCED DOORS
There are several ways you can make your doors more secure. You could, for example, add an additional lock to your front door or block the sliding mechanism of your patio door with a metal rod.
Door manufacturers also use such materials as burglarproof glass, steel and composite to reinforce some of their mo d els. Check with the specialized companies in your area and improve your home security before — not after — your home is broken into.
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Welcome to Rainbow Falls Dental!
Family Dentist Chestermere
Rainbow Falls Dental is excited to introduce their brand new state of the art Dental practice to the town of Chestermere and surrounding area. Our dynamic team will strive to ensure you are comfortable and confident with the complete oral health care you are receiving and will continue to receive.
You’ll always leave a lasting impression with a bright and confident smile. At Rainbow Falls Dental, we want to help you claim and maintain a strong healthy smile to enjoy for your entire life.
Rainbow Falls Dental is a full-service clinic providing everything from routine check-ups & cleanings for your children, to the complex cosmetic and restorative dentistry sometimes needed.
Our team understands that there is often a sense of uneasiness and anxiety associated with dental visits. We strive to put these emotions at ease by creating a positive and relaxing experience. It is very important to establish a great foundation of trust with each and every patient and take the time to accommodate to the specific needs of the individual. Our entire team is dedicate to providing you with a comfortable, pleasant, and friendly experience.
We offer dental services for families and individuals of all ages. We are Unit 214 100 Rainbow Road, Chestermere, AB. We are right beside the No Frills.
Call Rainbow Falls Dental to set up an appointment!
The Alberta Dental Association Fee Guide
OUR TEAM
Paul and Diane are Travel Consultants based in the Calgary area. They provide all types of vacation options, but specialize in groups, river and ocean cruising. Click here to contact us today to start planning your next trip!
. Next September we will be escorting a group to Egypt and Jordan. It’s a 17 day trip that includes visits to 2 countries, 12 cities, a Wonder of the World, a Hot Air Balloon ride, Glamping in an overnight Bedouin camp, and multiple modes of transportation, including airplane, bus, cruise, motorboat, golf cart, horse-drawn carriage, camels and pickup trucks. This is going to be an incredible adventure!
This a small group coach tour that also includes a 5 day River cruise on the Nile. We will have our own English speaking guide in each country so that we will be sure to understand each attraction. Our trip will start in Cairo after an overnight flight from North America.
Here are a few highlights about the places you can experience on this trip.
Our land tour in Egypt includes: Pyramids of Giza, built over 4,500 years ago and one of the Seven Wonders of the World! You’ll
explore the pyramids and learn about their fascinating history as you walk in the footsteps of the pharaohs and ride a camel through the desert.
The Great Sphinx, the legendary statue with the head of a human and the body of a lion amazingly carved out of a huge piece of limestone.
Sakkara Pyramids, the site of hundreds of tombs, where you can view the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser, designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Egyptian Museum is a must, and we are hoping that the highly anticipated new museum will be open when we are there. This world-renowned museum is home to the largest collection of jewels, relics and statues from the golden age of the pharaohs.
We will then board our river cruise on the Nile River where you can visit:
Temples of Karnak dating back over 3,000 years. Avenue of the Sphinxes will allow us to marvel at the Hypostyle Hall with its 134 massive sandstone columns.
Luxor Temple to admire the colossal statues of the great pharaoh Ramses II.
Hot Air Balloon: Take an optional balloon ride in the sky of the biggest open-air museum in Luxor.
Valley of the Kings, the necropolis of Thebes and the tombs of ancient Egypt’s rulers.
Temple of Hatshepsut, a colonnaded structure surrounded by cliffs and learn about the life of Queen Hatshepsut, Egypt’s famous female ruler.
Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues of the Pharaoh Amenhotep II.
Temples of Horus in Edfu: Take in the beauty and bustle of Aswan on a private horsedrawn carriage ride to visit the stunning temples.
Kom-Ombo: tour the imposing Greco-Roman Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to Horus, the Sky God and Sobek, the Crocodile God.
Abu Simbel Temples: An early morning bus ride from Aswan transports you back in time to the mighty Temple of Abu Simbel. This site is dominated by the looming twin temples of Ramesses II and his wife Queen Nefertari. It is one of the most recognizable ancient sites of Egypt.
Aswan High Dam, an engineering miracle when originally constructed in the 1960s, then on to Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. You’ll arrive by motorboat and marvel at the Temple’s beautiful island location. We will then leave Egypt and fly to Amman, Jordan via Cairo. Amman is the capital of Jordan and is a city situated on a series of seven hills.
Wadi Rum is a protected area of desert that impresses with sandstone mountains, canyons and arches. Many movies have
been filmed here including “The Martian” with Matt Damon. You will jump into a local jeep and journey into the Wadi Rum desert with our Bedouin hosts. The spectacular desert landscapes are home to hardy Bedouin communities that live in scattered camps. You will gain a deeper understanding of their way of life as you join them for a zarb (underground oven) dinner at one of their camps, set in an amazing location deep in the desert. Our Feature Stay. One night you will stay in a spacious “glamping” tent, outfitted with creature comforts like king-sized beds, air conditioning and ensuite bathrooms, and all furniture is made by hand with décor inspired by Bedouin culture. You’ll fall asleep in a luxurious tent beneath a magnificent canopy of stars and wake up to a sunrise over the redhued landscape.
Petra: The group will have a private informative session about the history of Petra to prepare for our visit. The next morning you will experience the iconic view of the Treasury’s glorious facade, glimpsed from a narrow cleft known as the Siq; perhaps the single-most striking sight of the entire region. You’ll explore the old Roman road, amphitheatre and several ancient tombs and will have time to climb to the Monastery, providing a magnificent view of the entire site.
Petra by Night That evening,
enjoy the amazing opportunity to witness Petra by night. Seeing the Treasury Plaza lit up by candlelight while Bedouin music plays is a truly memorable experience.
Dead Sea As the name suggests, the Dead Sea is devoid of life!
Swimming in the dead sea is quite an incredible feeling as it is impossible to sink in the thick brine which is almost 10 times salter than ordinary sea water! Cover yourself in the mineral rich mud found along the shores and then wash it off while soaking in the Dead Sea. A truly memorable experience!
Jerash An ancient city located 30 km away from Amman known for the ruins of the walled GrecoRoman settlement just outside the modern city. These include the 2nd century Hadrian’s Arch, the Corinthian columns of the Temple of Artemis and the huge Forum’s
oval colonnade.
City of Madaba You will visit the Church of St. George to see the earliest surviving original map of the Holy land in a mosaic floor dating back to 560 A.D.
Mt. Nebo This is the place where Moses is said to have gone to get a view of the Promised Land before he died.
Amman City Tour Amman is often referred to as the “White City” because of the white stone used to build the houses. You will visit the Amman Citadel, a historical site at the center of downtown Amman. Then, experience the heart of the city center by browsing in the downtown markets.
Thinking about booking a getaway, or a Bucket List family vacation? contact us and tell us what where you want to visit. We’d love to make your dream become a reality!
on their crisis line 24/7 at 403-775-CWCS (2927). They are also looking for volunteers to help on the crisis line and grant writing. Unfortunately, there is a need for this service in our community and it is important for residents to know help is available.
The Chestermere Foodbank are also having their AGM on April 17th at Dunn & Company. Must be that time of year! They have a few events coming up that need your support. On May 19th they are planning a Fill the Fire Truck event at No Frills. Keep an eye out for the specific details. As always, any and all support of the Foodbank is welcome.
There is some great programming going on at the Chestermere Public Library. Chestermere Community Support Resource Fair is there April 27th and May 25th. It’s an opportunity to learn about a variety of free community supports that are available. It runs from 10am – 12pm so be sure to stop by.
Well – spring has sprung! At least we hope there isn’t a surprise winter blast, after all, we do live in Alberta. I have to say it has been wonderful to see people out and about. Chatting and catching up and seeing smiles! While everyone has to do what is comfortable for them personally, seeing smiles and facial expressions rather than it being concealed by a mask makes my heart warm. Engagement and interaction with your friends and neighbours and being social again really does make our Community an amazing place.
OACC is looking to fill the Vice-Chair position on our Board. Your commitment would be to work with the Coalition members in meeting the needs identified by the members. As a stakeholder you must reside or work within the geographical boundaries of Chestermere and surrounding areas. The Vice Chair role works closely with the two Co-Chairs and Secretary to organize and coordinate all projects and meetings. It is a twoyear term. If you are interested, please contact Joanne, Shannon, or Betty (see contact information below).
Some updates from around the community and our not-for-profit partners…..
Check out the Whitecappers website at http://whitecappers.ca/ for their monthly calendar and newsletter OR you can stop by and pick copies up at their location on the south end of the Rec Centre at 201B Chestermere Drive. Their AGM is scheduled for May 30th for anyone interested in joining their board or attending.
The Chestermere Women’s Crisis Society continue to provide assistance to clients in need. Whether it be basic needs or domestic violence issues, they are there to help residents in any way they can. They can be reached
So if you are a history buff, you might want to stop by the Chestermere Historical Foundation event happening on Tuesday, April 18th at 2:00pm. The topic is Horses & Mules in WWI. It will be presented at the Whitecappers premises at 201 W Chestermere Drive. It is free admission and should be an interesting presentation (full disclosure – my daughter Samantha is presenting). If you want to know more about the historical programs and upcoming events that the Historical Foundation are hosting, check out their website at www.chestermerehistoricalfoundation.org.
Did you know that the Chestermere Community Support Services (CSS) has a program that supports individuals and families to meet their daily needs? The Community Access Program or CAP supports Chestermere residents in accessing multiple, subsidized resources. While there are some eligibility requirements, the program helps you access subsidies to various programs throughout the City. To apply, you must provide proof of Chestermere residency, ID for each household member and proof of income. For more information, reach out to CSS at 403-207-7079 or email them at cssinfo@chestermere.ca.
With the warm weather quickly approaching, it is a great time of year to have some neighbour or family fun time. The City of Chestermere has a Block Party based program designed to build connection and community. So, gather your neighbours or family and have cookoff or BBQ with the help of the City. Each kit includes cookware, dishes, utensils and recipe books to use, along with a gift card to help purchase some of the ingredients. Check it out by contacting Craig at 403-7050 ext. 7094 or email him at cmcleod@chestermere.ca. It’s a great way to have some fun!
Mark you calendar! Senior’s Week this year is June 5 through June 11. There is a committee of non-profit organizations working with the City to build a calendar of events for the week. While in the early planning stages, we expect there will be something scheduled every day to celebrate the Older Adults in our community. As things get firmed up, watch our article and listen to our segment on The Rogue radio station for more details!
Chestermere Senior Services & South Asian Seniors Social Outreach is having meeting groups at Lakeshore Manor. If you are interested or want more information, please contact Kiran Randhawa at 403-472-1490 or
kiranran786@gmail.com. There is a men’s group as well as a women’s group. All are welcome!
Finally, a reminder about the Chestermere Conversation Café. As previously mentioned, this group is intended to support caregivers and family members of those working with Dementia or memory loss. Regardless of where you or your family member is in the dementia journey, it is a casual conversation setting offering peer support. Family members and dementia patients are welcome to join in. Future meetings will be held on the 4th Monday of every month from 2:00pm – 4:00pm at Lakeshore Manor (200 Marina Drive, Chestermere). You can contact Don at 403-473-1564 or check out the link for more information: https:// dementianetworkcalgary.ca/event/ new-chestermere-conversationcafe-in-person/
Happy April from your local CRPCN (Calgary Rural Primary Care Network). It is energizing to enter Spring and uplifting to have longer days ahead. Updates from the clinic include a reminder to get your vaccine boosters when advised.
Check with your family doctor or nurse practitioner or prescribing pharmacist for the next eligibility. Don’t forget about Shingles and Pneumonia vaccines as well! There are come online courses coming up on www.crpcn.ca. Staring April 26th, Craving Change will launch online. It is a 3-week series focusing on why you eat what you do. As you become more aware of your personal eating triggers, you will be able to control your food cravings and change your problematic eating behaviours. This is a cognitive-behavioural approach that encourages you to consider how your thoughts, emotions and behaviours all interact. The workshop is once a week for 3 weeks. It is a free course, so check it out online and register.
Have a wonderful Easter with your family and friends. Stay well!
Join the Older Adults’ Coalition of Chestermere
Are you an older adult? Do you live or work in Chestermere or the immediate surrounding area? Do you want to engage and/or volunteer in the community with similar residents? Do you have
family that fits this demographic that you care for or have living in Chestermere? Did you know that as a business or organization that has an interest in providing services or programs for our older adults you are more than welcome to be a member of OACC? We welcome adult children of older adults, caregivers, educators, agencies, service organizations, funders, community partners and the community at large. The common goal is to work for the betterment of older adults in our community. Please join us at our next monthly meeting! We meet the 3rd Wednesday of the month.
OACC – Upcoming Meeting Dates –Wednesday, April 19 & Wednesday, May 17 at 1:30PM – 3:30PM Lakeshore Manor (200 Marina Drive, Chestermere). While walkins are welcome to our meetings, RSVPs are appreciated. Please email Joanne jumpmaster2@ shaw.ca or Betty illingw8@telus. net or Shannon shannon.fetterly@ lakeshoremanor.ca.
The OACC welcomes community businesses, organizations, and service providers to join our meetings as a guest speaker. If you are interested, please reach out to Joanne, Betty, or Shannon.
The Chestermere Older Adults’ Resource Handbooks (2023) are available at the Older Adults’ Coalition of Chestermere meetings. They are also available at the Chestermere Library, Whitecappers Association, Lakeshore Manor, and Synergy as well as medical offices and pharmacies throughout the City. Please pick yours up or take one for a neighbour. You can also access these Handbooks by contacting the City of Chestermere at 403-207- 7079 or online at https://www.chestermere.ca/ DocumentCenter/View/20176/ Chestermere-Older-AdultsResource-Handbook-2023
Lakeshore Manor also provides a wide variety of resources and information for Older Adults within our community. They can be contacted at 587-349-7444 or online at https://lakeshoremanor.ca
Chestermere Community Services
The City of Chestermere website also has some great resources for older adults and seniors programming, events, and information! https://www. chestermere.ca/658/Programs-forSeniors
Spring Programs 2023
Spring programs are coming soon! We have lots of brand-new programs coming to the library for this spring. Find our full program guide on our website. www. chestermerepubliclibrary.com
Upcoming Closure
We will be closed from Friday, April 7th to May, April 10th for Easter Weekend. Our return bin will be closed during this time.
Storytime
Join us every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday at 10:15AM for storytime. No registration is required.
Novel Book Club
Join us Thursday, April 20th at 6:00PM in the library to discuss Laura Dean Keeps Breaking Up With Me by Mariko Tamaki. No registration is required, and copies are available at the library for borrowing.
Graphic Novel and Manga Club
This month our teen and adult Graphic Novel and Manga Club are discussing Sports Comics on our Discord. Any comic involving sports are welcome to be discussed this month. Join our discord on our website.
Share Your Library Experience
Have you taken part in any of our library services? We are looking for feedback on the library and our programs. Let us know what you think and how we can improve. Your feedback directly impacts our services and programming so we can continue to make the library better for everyone. Email your feedback to info@ chestermerepubliclibrary.com or drop it off in our feedback box.
Support Your Local Library
Are you aware that the library is a Registered CHARITY? This means that we depend on donations from the public to support us. We are looking for corporate or personal sponsors for our Winter Program Session! Any donations help and allow us to improve all our programming. Contact info@ chestermerepubliclibrary.com if you would like to donate.
Monthly Newsletter
Are you wondering what’s happening at the library? Would you like to know? Sign up for our monthly newsletter for updates on programming, Reading Programs, Featured Displays, Community Outreach, Featured Artists, and more. Sign up by visiting our website at chestermerepubliclibrary.com
Library Hours:
Monday through Thursday – 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Friday and Saturday – 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday – 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
For more information about what is happening at the Library, check our website. Don’t forget to follow and like us on our Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages. Chestermere
403.272.9025
Tune in to our new radio chat show: 50+ Shades of Gray with Sharron where we talk about all subjects related to mature living
Starting April 13, With CFTR The Rogue, Chestermere Radio
Your Host Sharron Matthewman (The Brit)
Every Thursday at 10:30 – 11:30am
Join Sharron for an hour of lively conversations, entertaining stories, and expert advice on topics that matter to you. From health and wellness to travel and hobbies, we’ve got you covered.
Our experienced host and her guest experts will share their insights and expertise on a variety of issues affecting seniors today. We’ll also feature music from the ‘50s, ‘60s, and beyond, so you can sit back and reminisce with your favourite tunes.
Whether you’re tuning in from home, on the go, or in the car, 50 + Shades of Gray is the perfect companion for your day. So mark your calendars and join Sharron for an informative and entertaining hour of radio just for you.
Text, call, or email to ask questions on everything that you need to know and want to know about healthy ageing. Guest speakers and more. Please let me know of topics of interest. Let’s keep connected, all shades of GRAY welcome.
50+ Shades of Gray , airing every Thursday at 10:30 am on Chestermere’s Best Radio. Don’t miss it!
January 2022
• Concerns of Chestermere’s governance expressed to municipal affairs
• Former and current city staff, former and current city councillors, and citizens expressed their concerns of Chestermere’s governance to municipal affairs.
• The previous Minister of Municipal Affairs, Ric McIver, received letters, phone calls, and emails, sharing concerns until March 2022.
February 2022
City employees begin the unionization process
• Chestermere city employees began the process of applying to the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE), to protect their rights.
• Communications Representative of CUPE Lou Arab confirmed to Anchor Media that the unionization application was submitted on Jan 26, 2022.
• “They signed all their cards within two weeks of the application. Our union drive was conducted entirely in the month of January 2022,” Arab said.
• Chestermere employees began the process of joining CUPE for better treatment from their employers, and respect for the services they provide.
• The union would add a layer of protection between city staff and the employer and outline how things must be done within the employment contract, such as laying staff off and negotiating pay and other benefits.
• Every staff member that fell within the scope of the union was asked to send in a ballot, and with 50 per cent or more of votes in favour to join the union, negotiations proceeded.
employees
• CUPE began a membership drive among Chestermere city employees.
• Cheryl Oates, a Communications Representative of CUPE confirmed to Anchor Media that the petition was completed with enough signatures to apply to the Alberta Labour Relations Board for certification.
• The voting ballots were submitted to the board, sealed, and waited for the result of objections from the employer and the union.
• The hearing was scheduled for May 25 until May 27, 2022.
March 2022
• The city received a letter from McIver informing them that department officials would review the municipality to have a better understanding of issues and determine if further intervention was necessary, and if further action was required.
• Municipal affairs ordered a formal inspection of Chestermere’s municipal governance, after completing a preliminary review.
• An independent contractor was appointed to carry out the inspection to determine whether any legislative contraventions or improper conduct had occurred, Municipal Affairs Press Secretary Scott Johnston said.
• The inspection report addressed issues such as members of council acting alone and outside of a council resolution, members of council performing administrative functions and duties, code of conduct infractions, improper council meeting procedures and conduct, and the sale of municipal property not in accordance with the Municipal Government Act (MGA).
• “The inspection process is designed to ensure objectivity and procedural fairness, while also ensuring that all allegations are given appropriate
consideration,” Johnston said.
• The process typically takes between six to 18 months to complete.
• The City of Chestermere welcomed the municipal affairs inspection and agreed to begin the inspection in the last week of May.
• Council was hopeful that the inspection would be completed quickly, and would help in any way necessary, and later share the inspection findings with residents.
• City representatives said they had refuting information on when the first city employee application to unionize was submitted.
• They indicated the first application was submitted before the last municipal election, not in January 2022. However, appropriate documents could not be submitted, due to confidentially concerns.
• Arab explained that the evidence must be signed within 90 days of the union application, and 50 per cent or more of the votes had to be in favour of the union to proceed with negotiations.
City workers unionize
• City of Chestermere employees voted to join CUPE.
• CUPE Alberta President Rory Gill welcomed Chestermere city employees into CUPE after the majority voted in favour of certification.
July 2022
City employees move forward with CUPE
• CUPE began work with Chestermere city employees to negotiate a union agreement.
• After city employees were approved to join CUPE, the Alberta Labour Relations Board conducted a vote of all eligible employees.
• If over 50 per cent of eligible employees voted to unionize, the board would become the official bargaining agent for all employees.
• Representatives organized by the union then serve on the bargaining committee, ask members about their concerns, and prepare proposals for a first collective agreement.
• CUPE expected the city to also prepare proposals.
• Bargaining a first contract can be a slow process, taking over a year to finalize.
• When both sides have completed negotiations and come to a full agreement, the union will present the deal to members for vote.
• Throughout the process, city employees have a codified condition of employment, work rules, and can file any grievances that are backed up by union representatives if they feel the city is not following the set conditions or rules.
September 2022
Municipal affairs reviews Chestermere’s governance inspection report
• The inspection report into Chestermere’s governance was submitted to municipal affairs for review.
• Municipal affairs was set to give Chestermere council an embargoed copy of the inspection report for review and comment.
• Based on the report and councils’ response, the minister would then determine the next steps.
November 2022
City reviews municipal inspection report
• Municipal affairs shared an embargoed copy of the inspection report with city council for review and comment.
• City council had until Dec. 9, to provide any feedback to the newly appointed Minister of Municipal Affairs, Rebecca Schulz.
• Based on the responses from city council regarding the report, Schulz will determine the next steps.
• After considering input from council, municipal affairs will share the report with Chestermere residents through a public meeting.
• Until the public meeting, municipal affairs couldn’t comment on the contents of the inspection report.
• An inspection report is used to identify significant concerns with the governance, management and administration of a municipality, and to take corrective actions if necessary.
• Although an inspection report does not result in the dismissal of members of council, or a municipal Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), under specific conditions of the MGA the Minister of Municipal Affairs could take action to dismiss council members or a CAO.
Wallace with assault.
• Wallace was released on conditions and will appear in provincial court in March.
February 2023
KPMG requests city correct misleading information
• KPMG issued a letter to the City of Chestermere requesting misleading information be removed from the city website.
• The letter, dated for Feb. 21, explained that the city’s website indicates KPMG completed the 2021 audit.
• However, KPMG resigned from the city’s audit committee.
• “As a result of our resignation, we did not complete an audit of the city’s 2021 financial statements,” the letter said.
• The City of Chestermere rejected the embargoed copy of the municipal affairs inspection report, due to a “Lack of evidence and a flawed process.”
• Council called a special meeting where Mayor Jeff Colvin and city councillors Mel Foat, Stephen Hanley, and Blaine Funk passed a resolution rejecting and opposing the draft report.
• City Councillors Shannon Dean and Sandy Johal-Watt opposed the motion but were defeated by a majority vote.
• Councillor Ritesh Narayan was not present for the entire meeting and did not vote.
• The city-run website Chestermere Today suggested municipal affairs rescind or redo the report, and that the draft report was biased against the city.
• The city declined to respond to the draft report based on “Breaches to the principles of Natural Justice and Procedural Fairness.”
• Municipal affairs was made aware of the inspection report rejection, and continues to uphold the process under the MGA, and will review the city’s feedback.
• The ministry has yet to release the findings of the draft report publicly.
• Chestermere residents can expect to receive an update from municipal affairs in early 2023.
January 2023
City rejects municipal affairs draft inspection report, again
• City council disallowed the Dec. 9, special meeting rejecting the municipal affairs draft inspection report, due to a time stamp issue.
• Kim Wallace, the City Director of Corporate Services presented the city’s official response to the draft inspection report.
• Wallace explained the city’s refusal of the report was due to breaches of the Public Inquiries Act, breaches to Natural Justice and Procedural Fairness, and a lack of evidence.
• The city’s response indicated sections of the Public Inquiries Act were not followed, including evidence, attendance of witnesses, admissibility of evidence, the right to call witnesses, and notice of an allegation of misconduct.
• A motion was carried authorizing Colvin to write a letter to Schulz requesting to meet, with Colvin, the deputy mayor, and chosen councillors.
City director charged with assault
• Chestermere’s city director of corporate services was arrested and charged with assault.
• The Chestermere RCMP were made aware of an assault at city hall.
• Following an investigation into allegation, RCMP arrested and charged Kim
• KPMG requested that the city remove the information indicating they completed the 2021 audit from the city’s website and issue a statement expressing that the city’s financial statements for 2021 have not been audited by KPMG.
• KPMG also requested the city provide a written confirmation from city council that no parties were directly advised by the city that KPMG had completed the 2021 audit.
• The City of Chestermere was unavailable for comment.
• KPMG declined to comment.
• Chestermere City Council and administration were given 12 directives to return to good governance.
• The directives issued following the inspection report include reviewing and implementing the recommendations from the report, reviewing the procedural bylaw, developing a strategic plan and a timeline for completing the 2021 audit, and appointing an independent third party to handle all complaints.
• Councillors have also been directed to discontinue performing CAO duties, and report back to Schulz by-monthly on the progress made.
• “If the city implements these directives as they are required to, Chestermere will be in a better position to return to effective decision-making,” Schulz said. “My hope is to have a respectful and collaborative council with open and transparent processes that align with legislative requirements.”
• Chestermere city director of corporate services, Kim Wallace plead not guilty to assault charges from January at Strathmore Provincial Court.
• “I am innocent of the charge brought against me and I look forward to being able to clear my good name in court, before a judge, who will hear all the facts of the case. I have plead not guilty and a wait for the court date to be announced,” Wallace said in a statement to Anchor Media.
• City council began to tackle the directives issued by municipal affairs, based on the findings of the inspection report.
• The CAOs were directed to create a report of all code of conduct complaints, conduct the procurement of an independent third party with municipal governance experience, develop protocols for council conflict, develop a strategic plan, hire an audit firm, and list all municipal land sales.
Welcome to this week’s a minute with Michelle and the market update for Langdon, Chestermere and Strathmore for April 1st to April 8, 2023
For available properties in Langdon we have 11 available all are detached homes and of those 8 of those are new builds priced from 689900 for a new 2 storey in hanson park up to a beautiful bungalow backing onto the boulder creek golf course priced at 984,900 for properties that are conditional sold there are 8 ranging from a condo bungalow listed at 384900 up to 824650 for a new build in boulder creek of the pending sales 2 are new builds
What’s sold in langdon in the past week? we had no firm sales in langdon in the past week.
The market in Strathmore continues at a strong and steady pace with 35 active listings priced from 124,900 for a 500 square foot apartment up to 1.5 million for a walk out bungalow in hillcrest manor estates
Conditional solds include 13 properties including an apartment listed at 172900 up to 840,000 for a large two storey in wildrose
For sales in strathmore there were 9 properties sold starting at 239900 for an apartment on westmount up to 563000 for a detached bi-level which sold for 563000
And then for Chestermere and area there are 76 available properties starting at 227500 for a 2 bedroom apartment in the complex behind the safeway to 3.49 million for a large lakefront home.
There are a whopping 25 pending sales in Chestermere right now from a townhouse condo listed for 320 behind the shoppers drug mart up to 1.050 for acerage just outside the city.
there were 18 properties sold in chestermere from 245 for a 2 bedroom apartment behind the saleway up to 998 for a large 2 storey in kinniburgh.
of the listings in chestermere 22 of the 76 are new builds
Thank you for your time and I hoped you enjoyed this edition of a Minute with Michelle and your market update for langdon, strathmore and Chestermere
April 21 – June 25, 2023
9 to 5 The Musical, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick, is based on the seminal 1980 hit movie. Set in the late 1970’s this hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era is outrageous, thought-provoking, and even a little romantic.
Pushed to the boiling point, three female coworkers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss. In a hilarious turn of events, Violet, Judy & Daralee live out their wildest fantasy – giving their workplace a dream makeover, taking control of the company that had always kept them down.
Hey, a girl can scheme, can’t she?
with Hana Shaw
Museums not only provide opportunity for creative and ingenuitive interpretation, but open the door for selfdiscovery and self expression for the individual. The past month I got the privilege to visit one of the most worldrenowned museums and expose myself to some of the most well known pieces of art in the world. The National Gallery of Art located in Washington D.C is truly exhilarating, and definitely holds a premiere spot on the bucket list of any museumgoer.
Firstly, I should mention that some of the pieces that belong to the museum’s permanent collection are currently in exhibitions around the world. Most famously, the three works of Vermeer including Girl with a Flute, Girl with a Red Hat, Woman Holding a Balance, as well as various sketches by the artist. These works will be temporarily located in RijksMuseum, Amsterdam and be showcased in a special Vermeer display until the beginning June of this year.
During my visit, I experienced numerous works that are notoriously foundational to contemporary works today, and that have been idolized by centuries of creative endeavours. In addition to this, I also discovered new artists I never knew existed, and immersed myself in their contagious inspiration.
Dutch art is composed overwhelmingly of male artists, and severely lacks female representation in a world where figures such as Rembrant and Hals are consistently viewed as paramount. Judith Leyster challenges this account, and demonstrates how women of the time had as much, if not more, talent in relation to their male contemporaries. Her work demonstrates impeccable expertise, and portrays a sense of defiance to social expectations of the time as women were undoubtedly undermined and marginalized. In particular, her self-portrait of 1630 exuberates a sort of playful, but also firm assertiveness upon the viewer, and her confident presence is not only seen, but experienced. Through careful
examinations and analysis, it has been revealed that her technique and brush stroke is akin to that of Hals and Rembrant, which fully exemplifies her overpowering ability to surpass standards established by her male contemporaries.
Another artist that I effortlessly fell in love with was Paul Cézanne. Not only were there a copious amount of works of his on display, but an entire room in the post renaissance wing of the museum was dedicated to his work. I immediately took admiration to his unique take on impressionist styles and techniques, as he introduced a sense of firmness and structure to the often perceived dizziness and trancelike nature of most nineteenth century works. One work in particular stood out to me, The Peppermint Bottle, which depicts everyday items which were arbitrary articles in his studio, including a bottle of French peppermint liquor as well as a deep greenish tablecloth, glass vases, and various fruits. The natural simplicity apparent within the dense, thick colours and lines shown in this piece, along with its two-dimensional texture truly captivated me. It was because of these unique characteristics that made this particular work distinctive in the display of other impressionist works.
Join me again next week, as I will be discussing the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, which is often overshadowed by the prominent neighboring National Gallery of Art located in Ottawa. Additionally, my recent museum visits have inspired me to write about a new concept that I think would be greatly interesting: unsolved art mysteries. I have realized how many works we are familiar with today have an obscure past and historical significance is often neglected, and who doesn’t like a juicy, puzzling art mystery to think about!
As always, if you have any questions, comments, suggestions, or writing opportunities please do not hesitate to contact me at hana.chestermere@ gmail.com
You are a gifted person and your neighbourhood needs you and your generosity. These are big words in a world that does not often give and receive gifts very well. We often live transactionally, not relationally. The journey of loving our neighbourhood begins when we believe that we are gifted, and that our lives and gifts are worth sharing. Because the gifts we see in ourselves, we begin to see in others. Our neighbourhood, in this way, become one big gift made is for passing along.
My wife and I sit down every few months and work out our home budget. We have come to set aside $20 for “people who come to our door.” It’s a strange budget line we keep in for a very meaningful purpose that is about way more than the dollars. It’s a reminder to me that grew out of a moment when kids came to our door to sell us some chocolate covered almonds for a fundraiser. I remember it clearly. I answered the door, and not having any cash on hand, said ‘no thanks’ and closed the door. I then turned and saw my wife standing in the kitchen, arms
folded. She was appalled at my response. I, daftly, told her I did not like chocolate covered almonds. That argument had no weight at all. “From this day forward,” she said, “we will always buy the almonds.” And so, we have our $20 waiting for any and all fundraisers passing through the neighbourhood.
We have learned that being a gift-giving home requires that we decide beforehand that we’re a gift-giving home. It takes intentionality, otherwise we will miss the moments when giving our gifts truly matter. For us, it’s not about the $20, it’s about being alert and ready to give and share. If I’m not ready with $20, will I be ready when much more is asked of me?
Author Margaret Wheatley offers a way to experiment with being a gift-giving, pass-it-along kind of person in your neighbourhood. She says that a gift is a gift when: “I offer it freely. There are no conditions. I give because I want people to have it. I do not need to gain from it personally. I let go of needing the gift to be
appreciated. I don’t call attention to how hard I’ve worked, what it’s taken me to get here, how dedicated and committed I am, what a good generous person I am. I don’t look for approval, recognition, or thanks. I offer my work, then turn away. I don’t stand and wait for compliments. I don’t expect any kind of gratitude. I don’t resent the people who didn’t thank me. I let go of what I just offered. I move on, looking for the next place I might contribute.”
It is certainly a journey to become generous. I still don’t like chocolate covered almonds, but now every time I see them in a bowl or coming down the street, I’m confronted with a big question about who I am, and what I give to my community. It’s always been far more about the candies; it’s about who we are as a community. I hope when people search “Chestermere” that they will see stories of a generous community, passing their gifts along to each other. We are a gifted city and your neighbourhood needs you and your generosity, today.
Hello Chestermere-Strathmore readers
Economic Development in Rural Alberta is a growth opportunity that looks at innovation, diversification, and sustainable, long-term economic development. The goal is to support initiatives already underway and promote rural Albertans and economic opportunities where we live. Thank you to all rural Albertans and Indigenous community members who informed us about their successes, challenges, and opportunities for rural economic development. This share of data leads to resilient, innovative, and prosperous ideas, providing sustainable economic opportunities.
Minister Toews said, “In Budget 2023, Travel Alberta will receive $10 million over two years to develop environmentally sustainable year-round experiences in regions outside of Alberta’s most popular destinations. Funding will be used to increase awareness of and visitation to lesserknown tourism destinations across Alberta that have a high potential for growth.”
Did you know that 30 percent of tourism spending already occurs outside the Canadian Rockies, Edmonton, and Calgary regions? Imagine what that could mean for our area! The idea is to grow the tourism industry to a $20-billion opportunity over the next ten years, and developing rural tourism is a key contributor to realizing that goal. It means employment, but even more, it is the pride in showing our amazing areas to the world. I’ve spoken to so many of you about local tourism, seed-to-table, agri-food
and industry tours, weddings, events, and many other great ideas from our community to share our contributions to this great province.
• The Government of Alberta increased funding to Travel Alberta in Budget 2023 by 14 percent.
• Travel Alberta’s Tourism Investment Program provides $15 million in annual funding to support tourism operators.
o In 2022-23, Travel Alberta funded 166 projects across 73 communities – about 75 percent of the projects and 70 percent of the funding were in smaller urban and rural areas of the province.
• The Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan was released in December 2022, with supporting initiatives demonstrating the government’s commitment to building healthy and prosperous communities across rural Alberta.
Finally, I would like to personally thank the board of directors, volunteers, families, participants, adjudicators, and accompanists at the Strathmore Performing Arts Festival. The talent in our community is literally bursting at the seams, and it was such an honour to be part of this year’s event. Congratulations to all of the scholarship winners, Provincial nominees, and a huge thank you to all the sponsors who make this festival possible and bring the dreams of our artistic youth to the forefront. As always, we love to hear from you.
Have a wonderful day!
Our Yankee cousins south of the 49th parallel have reason to celebrate this month.
Yes, gentle reader, April 7 marks the festival of New Beer’s Eve, so named for being that glorious day way back in 1933 that was the end of Prohibition in the USA. Much like the lineups of today for a new iPad or Star Wars movie, the thirsty folk of the American public lined up for hours, waiting for the saloons and public houses to throw open their doors at exactly 12:01am on April 7.
As you might imagine, there was much rejoicing on the streets in the lead-up to midnight, which is how the night became known as New Beer’s Eve, marking the first (legal) drink those fine upstanding citizens had enjoyed for 13 long years.
There might have even been a few revelers enjoying a bit of their illicit hooch, as clandestine local liquor production was rampant, as was smuggling in booze across the Canadian and Mexican borders.
In fact, the Detroit River separating Windsor (Ontario) from Detroit was the busiest rumrunning location between Canada and the USA, with up to 75% of the booze smuggled in from Canada crossing the border at this point.
Seagrams and Hiram Walker were two Ontario distillers who became very wealthy providing clandestine shipments of whisky across the border. Many a Canadian fisherman would supplement his income with the occasional midnight jaunt across the water with a boat full of whisky, eagerly received by the waiting bootleggers on the American side.
Some of the shipments were not clandestine at all, as there were many members of the US Coast Guard who would look the other way when incentivized with just a few bottles of hooch.
Seagrams did particularly well in 1933, as they had a huge inventory of well-aged Canadian whisky ready and waiting for American
consumers as soon as Prohibition was repealed. Since whisky takes so long to age, it was several years before the American distilleries were able to produce even a drop for their own thirsty market.
In the spirit of international unity with our beer-loving neighbours to the south, I was able convince an American cousin to FedEx me a six-pack of Yuengling Traditional Lager, from the oldest operating brewery in the USA.
The Yuengling name is an anglicized version of Jüngling, the surname of the German immigrant who started the brewery way back in 1829. The brewery has been handed down from father to son multiple times, and is currently in the 5th generation of family ownership, and the 4 daughters of the current president already working in various roles at the brewery are poised to become the 6th generation of family ownership.
Despite its odd name, the Yuengling (pronounced ying-ling) brewery became so popular in its native Pennsylvania in the 1990s that it was forced to limit its geographic distribution, because local demand was consuming 100% of their production capacity of 4.2 million hectolitres. To give you an idea of scale, that is nearly twenty times the size of Calgary’s own Big Rock, making them kind of a big deal for a regional brewery.
That changed back in 2020, when Yuengling entered into a joint venture with Molson Coors, with classic Yuengling recipes being brewed
and distributed at Molson Coors facilities across North America. With its expanded distribution footprint, Yuengling has become quite popular in Texas over the past few years, and is even shipped as far west as California, but it still not being distributed in Canada, despite having 5 Molson Coors breweries across our fair land to choose from.
Mentally preparing myself for the occasion, I had this fine example of a historic US beer locked away in the cellar awaiting New Beer’s Eve, patiently waiting until the stroke of midnight to crack it open to celebrate the end of Prohibition, or what Winston Churchill famously referred to as an affront to the whole history of mankind. Despite the best intentions of waiting until midnight for historical accuracy before cracking it open to celebrate the end of Prohibition, I must admit that impatience got the better of me, and got an illicit thrill from sipping a few drams from my private whisky reserve in order to set the mood.
Perhaps that impatience was well-founded, as those thirsty imbibers that laboured under the dry yoke of oppression for 13 long years were also known to flout government meddling into their preferred tipple, and slip in a wee sip of the hooch when the urge struck them as well.
I will try to show more restraint next month, while celebrating the upcoming 99th anniversary of the end of Prohibition in Alberta, but sometimes that delicious liquor just calls out for me to drink it!
100 Women Who Care (or 100 Men/People/Kids Who Care) groups are making a difference in their communities around the world by strengthening and growing the giving circle movement.
100 Women Who Care
100 Women Who Care Chestermere launched in mid-October 2021, and the first giving circle meeting was held on February 3, 2022. At that meeting, $3,100 was donated to the Community Therapy Dogs Society.
100 Women Who Care Chestermere is a group of local women who care about the Chestermere community and want to make a big impact within the community, but don’t necessarily have the time to commit to helping make that impact. Members commit to four one-hour meetings a year and donate $100 to a local charity or not for profit organization voted on by the members at each meeting. The next meeting is Thursday, November 3, 2022. If you would like to join and help make a huge impact in the community, please visit our website chestermere100.ca.
When: Wednesday, April 19, 2023 Time: 1:30pm – 3:30pm
Where: • Lakeshore Manor, 200 Marina Drive, Chestermere RSVP: • jumpmaster2@shaw.ca • illingw8@telus.net
Walk-ins welcome, RSVP appreciated
Chestermere Lions Club
Meets on the 4th Wednesday of each month at 7:00pm Meetings are currently by zoom. Checkout our facebook page for more information,
Chestermere Christian Fellowship Services: Sunday 10:00 am
Pastor Vince VanderVeen 403-204-2079
1.6 km north of Hwy 1 on Conrich Road
Camp Chestermere Camp Chestermere is OPEN for Day Care, Rentals, and Community Events! We’ve even opened up registration for Summer 2021 Day and Overnight Camps! We are constantly reviewing and updating our policies to fall in line with current COVID protocols. Contact us today to find out how we can serve you and your needs. More at www.campchestermere.com
The Chestermere Fine Art Guild
The Chestermere Fine Art Guild meets every Thursday at 1pm, at the Recreation Centre North side, upstairs in room 2. Come and explore your artistic potential. Welcoming new members beginner to advanced. Like us on Facebook and email chestermereartguild@gmail.com
Lakeside Quilters’ Guild
Meeting each month at the Chestermere Recreation Centre on the first Wednesday of each month. Sew days are on the third Wednesday of each month and a sew Saturday each month, including summer. Quilting experience not required, new members welcome. For more information please contact Joyce at 403-383-1940.
St. Gabriel's the Archangel Parish
Catholics in Chestermere: Weekend masses are now open for public celebration without seating restrictions at St. Gabriel’s Catholic School (197 Invermere Dr.). There is no longer advanced registration required to attend mass (Saturday 5 pm, Sunday 9 am, and 10:30 am), but please stay home if you feel sick that day. For more information please call 403-455-0196
The Rotary Club Of Chestermere
Holds virtual meetings via Zoom on the 1st & 3rd Wednesday of the Month at 5:00pm and hosts in-person “Socials” at local venues on the last Wednesday of the month.
Guests are warmly welcomed to “Zoom in” to our virtual meeting or join us for some social time when they can!
Please email us for more information at: rotarychestermere@gmail.com
Check out our website at: www.rotarychestermere.org
800 vehicles to choose from - Trucks, Vans, Cars and SUVs. Starting at $3,995. We deliver. EAGLERIDGE GM, Coquitlam, BC. Ph: 778-918-6733/ 778-522-4190.
Employment Opportunities
CLASS 1 DRIVER: Hannah Transport Ltd., Acme, Alberta has an opening to haul anhydrous ammonia in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Spring and fall employment, hourly pay with overtime, safety bonus, paid cell phone. Training provided. Email: hannahtransportltd@gmail. com. Phone: Brian 403-312-8396.
Employment Opps
IS HIRING: Parts Technicians, Agriculture & Heavy Equipment Techs - Journeyman, Apprentices, CVIP/Truck Techs and RAP Students, Shop and Field positions available. View Open Roles www. rockymtn.com/careers. Possible Relocation and Signing Bonus Offered.
April
9 to 5 The Musical, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick, is based on the seminal 1980 hit movie. Set in the late 1970’s this hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era is outrageous, thought-provoking, and even a little romantic.
a girl can scheme, can’t she?
Box
Employment Wanted
Feed and Seed
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Brome, Meadow Brome, Crested Wheatgrass, Timothy, etc. Star City, SK. Birch Rose Acres Ltd. 306921-9942.
Health
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