Chestermere FREE
COMMUNITY GUIDE
FALL 2021
MUNICIPAL ELECTION INFORMATION
AFTER THE FIRE PROGRAM
A LASTING MEMORY
REMEMBERING TYSON POPE
Mayor’s Message Well Chestermere, we’ve now come to our fourth issue of the Chestermere Community Guide, which means we have been publishing this magazine for our residents for one full year! As many of you may know, I have decided not to seek re-election this fall, so this will be one of my last opportunities to connect with you as Chestermere’s Mayor. During my term on Council, I have been humbled by the trust the community has placed in me, and I am extremely proud of Council’s accomplishments on your behalf. I have been honoured to partner with you over these last four years as we have worked together to reach our vision of truly being an Amazing community. Mayor Marshall Chalmers City of Chestermere
This is one of the reasons that we have chosen to focus the theme of this final Community Guide for 2021 on our Amazing Partnerships in Chestermere. On page 18, you will learn about the partnership between our Chestermere Parent and Caregiver Support Services (PCSS), Trellis Commons and Healthy Families, otherwise known as the Chestermere-Strathmore Family Resource Network (FRN). On page 16, you will find a story about the Chestermere Gifts of Kindness program which partners with the community to raise funds that offer short term financial support that helps meet basic needs of Chestermere and SE Rocky View residents. On page 6, read more about the Chestermere Fire Services ‘After the Fire’ program in which fire fighters work directly with residents after a fire or emergency has occurred in their neighbourhoods to offer fire safety tips and free home safety checks. Lastly, with the upcoming municipal election this October, I encourage everyone to vote, and I wish the best of luck to those who are seeking the honour of serving their community as your new City Council. It has been my privilege to do so, and I thank you for the opportunity to have been your Mayor. I encourage you all to review the information on the back page of this guide for details on when, where and how you can vote in the upcoming October 18 election. Sincerely, Marshall Chalmers Mayor of Chestermere (2017- 2021)
Photo courtesy of 13 year old Chestermere Resident , Mya Edeburn
City of Chestermere - City Hall
Eco Centre
Community Safety
105 Marina Road Chestermere, AB T1X 1V7
281107 Township Road 243
153 East Chestermere Drive
(403) 207-2807
(403) 272-9878
curbside@chestermere.ca
enforcement@chestermere.ca
(403) 207-7050 info@chestermere.ca Follow along with us:
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firehall@chestermere.ca
COVID-19 NOTE: While we have made every effort to ensure that the content of this publication is up to date, regulations change frequently. Please check our website for the latest updates about programs, events and activities. If you have feedback about this Community Guide email comms@chestermere.ca.
In this issue PAGE 6 After the Fire Program
PAGE 16 Giving and Receiving Kindness
2021
PAGE 18 Parent and Caregiver Support Services
PAGE 10 Meet the Municipal Election Candidates
Community Social Programs
Page 4
Major News
Page 14
Remembering Tyson Pope
Page 5
Celebrating our Diverse Events
Page 20
Recent Council Decisions
Page 8
Community Recreation
Page 21
What's New at the Rec Centre
Page 12
Winter Activities in Chestermere
Page 22
What's New at the Library
Page 13
Community Contacts & Resources
Page 23
Cover photo courtesy of Chestermere Resident Brian Allan 3
Community Social Programs Mental Health Resources
Seniors Outreach: How can I help?
Virtual Fireside Chat - October 27
The City of Chestermere offers a webpage with mental health resources from a variety of sources to increase awareness of mental health needs and local supports available.
Seniors are able to access the resources they need when they need it.
We are hosting a Fireside Chat to spark conversations around connection and belonging in the community.
Visit chestermere.ca/mentalhealth for more information.
Seniors who require assistance with accessing supports, services, or advice can connect with City staff over the phone or by appointment in the community.
Seniors Teleconference Program
Please contact smatthewman@chestermere.ca, or call Sharron at (403) 804-0817.
A virtual program offered via audio (telephone) or video (WebEx). Join us and stay connected and engaged with your community on topics of interest relevant to seniors. Share concerns, experiences and stories. This is a great place to meet new people from the comfort of your own home with no costs to the participant. Dates for fall are: October 14 & 28, November 4 & 25, and December 9 & 16 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. *There will be no teleconference on November 11 (statutory holiday).
Please join us on October 27, from 6 - 7:30 p.m. with our guest speakers, Dr. Trevor Hancock and Heather Keam. For more information please visit chestermere.ca/fireside.
Virtual Digital Skills Classes Looking for a fundraising opportunity? Partner on the Kids Holiday Store Event In the past, the City’s Gifts of Kindness charity held a Kids Holiday Store fundraiser. After an evaluation of the various fundraising initiatives for the charity, the team has chosen to explore partnerships to keep this event viable. If there is a community group who would like to partner and take a lead role in organizing this event, please connect with Muriel for resources and more information at mgavilan@chestermere.ca.
Please contact smatthewman@chestermere.ca, or call Sharron at (403) 804-0817 to register.
Register for free virtual computer classes in October (WebEx, Zoom, Google, Microsoft Teams and more). Classes start October 19 & 26, and November 2 & 9, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Register at crcinfo@chestermere.ca or call (403) 207-7079.
Small Businesses Support After COVID Virtual Workshop CRA agents will discuss the CEWS (Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy) and the CRHP (Canada Recovery Hiring Program) and they will be open to any questions. Please contact FCRC staff at (403) 207-7079 or crcinfo@chestermere.ca to register.
FAMILY & COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTRE
The Family & Community Resource Centre is a free and confidential service for all Chestermere and South East Rocky View individuals and families. For information or to register for any of these programs, contact the Resource Centre: crcinfo@chestermere.ca
Chestermere Gifts of Kindness The Gifts of Kindness Fund provides short term financial support to help meet basic needs.
Money Management Workshops Money Management workshops are available in a self-paced format, and we can provide one-on-one support as required. Sessions include money management strategies, how to create a budget, ways to build your savings, and ways to pay down your debt to rebuild your credit.
Community Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Need a hand preparing your tax return? Volunteers can help you prepare your income tax and benefit return if you have low income and a simple tax situation. To book an appointment, contact the Community Resource Staff at (403) 207-7079 or email: crcinfo@chestermere.ca. 4
Community Access Program The Community Access Program (CAP) provides residents of Chestermere and South East Rocky View access to affordable local resources. Based on eligibility, residents may be referred to receive discounts/subsidizes on programs and services such as: transportation, recreational and agency memberships, Good Food Box, and access to Kids Up Front, Telus Spark Centre passes, etc. A variety of “Winter Neighbourhood Connection” opportunities are available for Langdon and South East Rocky View County residents to safely socialize and connect with one another. A connected and engaged community is an important way to build a sense of community and belonging. If you are interested in connecting with neighbours and getting together, please inquire and contact us at (403) 207-7050 or email csinfo@chestermere.ca
FOOTBALL SEASON BRINGS A
Reflection on Legacy and New Beginnings There is no better combination than a sunny, fall day and a football game. But the start of this year’s local football season is tinged with grief and additional significance for the Chestermere Chiefs as they reflect on Tyson Pope’s legacy. Born in Calgary, the 15-year-old was adored by his family, friends and all who spent time with him. Tyson loved sports, including football, where he played Nose Guard with the Chiefs. Despite battling brain cancer, Tyson continuously gave his time and energy in the form of encouragement and support to others who battled childhood cancer. Tyson passed away from his illness in November 2020. Tyson’s coach, Chris Bailey, has been with the Chestermere Chiefs for 9 years and talks about how Tyson’s brief, yet impactful time with the team prompted the Tyson Pope Inspiration Award. “We want to honour kids, like Tyson, who fight challenges and who deal with major adversities in life,” Bailey shares. “The award isn’t about football per se; football will come and go, but the lessons that we teach kids today about hard work, perseverance, and commitment will carry them on through life.” At one of the last in-person banquets the team held in 2019, Tyson encouraged his teammates to
“play every game like it is your last.” These words are still proudly embodied by all Chestermere Chiefs players, coaches and volunteers. At the end of this season, there are plans to retire Tyson’s jersey, #88, in addition to awarding the first recipient of the Tyson Pope Inspiration Award. In addition, Bailey explains that the Chiefs are using #footballisfamily on all social media posts this year as a mantra for the welcoming and tightknit community. The phrase is shared in the larger football community but has taken a new meaning for the Chiefs as they used it while rallying support for Tyson and his family after Tyson’s diagnosis. “Supporting each other on and off the football field, no matter the challenges faced, is what keeps everyone strong,” Bailey concludes. Next time you attend a football game, of any level, consider sharing a photo or video using the hashtag #footballisfamily, and take a moment to remember Tyson. To learn more about the Chestermere Chiefs, including information about the Tyson Pope Inspiration Award, visit chestermerechiefsfootball.com or follow the Chestermere Chiefs Community Football Club page on Facebook.
Tyson Pope 2005 - 2020
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AFTER
THE FIRE PROGRAM
Chestermere Fire Services offers peace of mind with free in-home safety checks. We know that after there has been a major fire in our community, it can feel really scary. Residents, and especially kids, may wonder about their own fire safety.
adds Jake. “This will help you calculate your overall home safety score and provide guidance so that you can make sure you are as safe as you can be in your home.”
These feelings are completely normal. And Chestermere Fire Services is here to help by offering free in-home safety checks that are part of the After the Fire program.
The home safety survey describes common safety hazards in a typical home so that residents can identify potential risks in each room and mitigate them by making some small adjustments.
“We want our residents to feel safe in their homes, so in the event that a fire occurs in our community, we will be there to provide emotional reassurance and some additional tools to help you feel secure,” says Firefighter Jake Gallinger. “Firefighters will canvas the neighbourhood after a fire to deliver educational information and offer additional supports.”
For example, the survey will help identify risks related to the storage of household combustibles and placement of heat sources like candles and portable fireplaces. It will also help residents develop regular routines that will contribute to home safety such as remembering to remove dryer lint after each laundry cycle, regularly checking and replacing cracked or damaged electrical cords, and clearing dry leaves, branches and vegetation out of yards and into the appropriate bins.
These home safety checks are also available to all Chestermere residents at any time. Whether you just have some questions about smoke alarms or want to complete a floor-by-floor safety assessment, you can easily contact Chestermere Fire Services and request a home visit. A firefighter will come to your home and check your smoke detectors, your carbon monoxide detectors, your fire suppression systems, and offer support so that you can create your own family fire escape plan. They will also offer advice on how to prevent fires and injuries in your home. And it’s completely free! “There is also a home safety survey that we provide which is a checklist of safety items and procedures that you can go through with your family,” 6
If you’d like to schedule a safety check, please email fire.prevention@chestermere.ca, or visit chestermere.ca/firesafety for more information.
Scan the QR code with your smart device to watch a video on the Chestermere Fire Services' After the Fire Program!
3 Things you can do
RIGHT NOW to improve your
FIRE SAFETY
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Check your smoke detectors – it is recommended that you have working smoke detectors on every level of your home outside each sleeping area. They can be battery operated or hard-wired so that if one of them goes off, they all will. “Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms should be tested monthly and the batteries should be replaced once each year,” says Jake. “Smoke alarms should also have an expiry date on them, or a manufacturer sticker that indicates when they are due to be replaced, as most detectors only have a 7-10 year life cycle.”
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Create a family escape plan – make sure that you have at least two ways out of your home from each area of the house. Move any toys, storage or clutter that might be blocking a hallway or stairwell. Practice this plan frequently and share it with guests. And don’t forget to include your pets in your escape planning! “Residents may want to purchase a home escape ladder for the basement or top-level bedroom windows,” explains Jake. “It’s also important that families have a pre-planned outdoor muster point or meeting place where they can find each other in the case of an emergency. Please make sure that the meeting place is not directly in front of your home, and try to pick a landmark that adults and children will remember.”
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Close before you doze – Research from the Fire Safety Research Institute shows that closing your bedroom doors at night can potentially save lives and can slow the spread of a fire to other areas of the home, giving you precious time to escape or call for help. “Chestermere Fire Services is reminding residents to shut their bedroom doors before they go to bed,” adds Jake. “This small change to your nightly routine can make a big difference in keeping your family and pets safe!”
Check out what your neighbours are saying about the AFTER THE FIRE PROGRAM “It was nice to see the guys educating the public. They come in and basically go through peoples’ houses and make sure we are up to fire prevention standards.
sure there are no obstacles to stairwells or hallways because you’ll need to get through quickly if there’s smoke in the house.
I’ll be honest with you, I’ve never seen that before and I thought it was a really good public step. I thought it was a great program - to have them right there on your doorstep caring and bringing their expertise right to you. I am pretty diligent with that already with my profession, but they even came back a second time to check on us.
As it turned out, all of our smoke alarms were expired and we did not realize it. We had bought some new ones when we moved in, but had only installed one of them. The other alarms that were in the house were actually the same ones from when the house was first built and expired nearly 10 years ago, which means that the family we purchased this house from didn’t have any functional smoke alarms.
The program works very well, it gives people a chance to talk to someone first-hand and gives them reassurance and a reminder not to be complacent with home fire safety, and a reminder to do your checks regularly, and have a rescue plan in place.
It is nice to know that the firefighters are actively seeking out opportunities to prevent fires. They took the time to address all of our concerns, provided us with their contact information and invited us to reach out to them any time that we have questions.
This is one step that people can take to be proactive in order to save lives, that is really what safety is about: being proactive."
Our son also loved the firefighters! Jake gave our son a stuffed puppy from the Fire Department to comfort him. We felt so much better after talking to them! It is very comforting to know that they will always be there.”
- Dean M. Dean is a safety professional and previously participated on the City’s Emergency Advisory Committee. “The house behind us was on fire. We share a back fence, and if the wind had been blowing another way that night, we could have lost our house. We had to leave in the middle of the night to get away from it. Before the end of the next day, Chestermere firefighters were going doorto-door in the neighbourhood to check people’s fire alarms and provide updates on fire safety and how we can make ourselves safer. They showed us how to install fire alarms correctly, what different kinds of smoke alarms we can get, and where the best placement locations are. They also instructed us on how to clear a path of escape, and how to make
- Kyle and Lyrra R. (and son Ryker) 7
Recent
Council Decisions For full meeting minutes visit chestermere.ca/agendas.
Top row (L to R): Councillor Yvette Kind, Councillor Ritesh Narayan, Councillor Mel Foat, Councillor Michelle Young Bottom row (L to R): Councillor Laurie Bold, Mayor Marshall Chalmers, Councillor Cathy Burness
June 15 • Council approved the Schematic Design as presented and authorized Administration to proceed with the Design Development Phase of the Civic Recreation Centre. • Council approved utility accounts to be transferred to taxes. Pursuant to section 553 of the Municipal Government Act, RSA 2000, c M-26, all unpaid charges for municipal utility services provided by 1538974 Alberta Ltd. in the amounts and to the parcels of land set out in Schedule A hereto and that these amounts be added to the tax roll of each subject parcel of land. • Council approved Development Permit#21-19626/107 for a Cannabis Retail Store at #107-100 Rainbow Road, subject to conditions 1-23 of the Request for Decision dated June 15, 2021. • Council approved the Chestermere-Calgary Heads of Agreement Document for use as the guiding document in preparing the full Service Agreement and authorized the CAO to eventually sign the full Service Agreement on the basis of the Heads of Agreement provided. • Council gave First, Second, and Third Readings of Bylaw 014-21, Mayor’s Task Force for Youth Terms of Reference, as presented. • Council gave First, Second, and Third Readings of Bylaw 015-21, Human Services Advisory Board Terms of Reference, as presented. • Council gave First Reading of Bylaw 036-20, Chestermere Traffic Bylaw. Council asked to amend proposed Chestermere Traffic Bylaw 036-20, by replacing the current Schedule “A” with the updated Schedule “A” presented at the June 15, 2021 Regular Council Meeting. • Council gave Third Reading of Bylaw 003-21, Chestermere Transit Bylaw, as presented. • Council gave First Reading of Bylaw 013-21, Off-Site Levy Bylaw, as presented and approved the scheduling of a Public Hearing to take place on July 6, 2021, beginning at 6:00 p.m. • Council gave First, Second, and Third Readings of Bylaw 002-21, Storm Drainage Bylaw, as presented. • Council gave First Reading of Bylaw 009-21 – Proposed R-3 Land Use Redesignation in 8
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Dawson’s Landing, as presented and approved the scheduling of a Public Hearing to take place on July 20, 2021 beginning at 6:00 pm. Council gave First Reading of Bylaw 012-21, Amendments to the Cottage Housing Land Use District DC(R-2C), being an amendment to Land Use Bylaw 022-10 for adjustments to the Direct Control Residential Cottage Housing Cluster District DC(R-2C), as presented. Council approved the scheduling of a Public Hearing to take place on July 6, 2021, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Council gave First Reading of Bylaw 031-20, Proposed Land Use Redesignation within the Dawson’s Landing Outline Plan, being a bylaw to redesignate the subject parcel in DAWSON’S LANDING from Direct Control – Low Rise MultiUnit Residential/Commercial District (DC(R-4C)) as presented. Council approved the scheduling of a Public Hearing to take place on July 20, 2021, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Council authorized the CAO and the Mayor to award the Construction Management Services Contract for the City’s Civic Recreation Centre Project to Bird Construction. Council defeated a motion to add a discussion regarding the Civic Recreation Centre and the total finances, cost impact, and public disclosure of the project to the June 15, 2021 Regular Council Meeting Agenda.
July 6 • Council approved the Development Permit Revision for Kinniburgh North Commercial Plaza. Development Permit Revisions Application DP 21-22028 for 272 Kinniburgh Boulevard was approved with the proposed conditions as outlined in Exhibit G of the Request for Decision dated July 6, 2021. • Council gave First, Second, and Third Readings of Bylaw #019-21, Temporary Mandatory Face Coverings Repeal Bylaw, as presented. • Council ratified the recommendations of the Community Grant Funding Adjudication Committee to allot associated organizations with funding, and that the funding allocation list be attached to the meeting minutes of the July 6, 2021 Council Meeting. • A Public Hearing of Bylaw 013-21, Off-Site Levy Bylaw took place. Mark Ruault, Senior Engineer
with the City of Chestermere, presented his staff report and answered questions from Council. There were no registrants to speak in favour of or against the Bylaw. • A Public Hearing of Bylaw 012-21 – Proposed Amendments to the Cottage Housing Land Use District DC(R-2C) took place. Jordan Furness, Senior Planner with the City of Chestermere, presented his staff report and answered questions from Council. There were no registrants to speak in favour of or against the Bylaw. • Council gave Second and Third Reading of Bylaw 012-21, Amendments to the Cottage Housing Land Use District DC(R-2C), being an amendment to Land Use Bylaw 022-10 for adjustments to the Direct Control Residential Cottage Housing Cluster District DC(R-2C), as presented.
July 20 • Council directed Administration to prepare a report for consideration that addresses the process and financial impact to the City’s future tax base, of requesting to the Provincial Government to amend the February 10, 2009 Annexation Order to allow for the extension of the current tax rates paid by owners in annexed lands until such time as any of these lands, in their respective neighbourhoods, are redeveloped and that a report for information be brought forward to the September 14, 2021 Committee of the Whole meeting. • Council authorized and directed the Mayor and City Administration to approach and work with Rocky View County to solicit a notice from Rocky View County, pursuant to section 116 of the Municipal Government Act, to initiate the annexation of the East Acreages. • Council approved Development Permit No.2152230, for 820 East Lakeview Road, subject to conditions 1-14 of the staff report dated July 20, 2021, including standard conditions 1 through 8 and site-specific conditions 9 through 14. • Council authorized the CAO to make decisions on permitted use developments and minor variances of 10% or less, (excepting single detached dwellings and additions, show homes/ sales centre and parks), for Lot 110, Block 1, Plan 121 2230, under the Direct Control (R-1E). • Council approved the amendments to Policy 447,
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being the Restricted Surplus Accounts Policy, as presented. Council approved, pursuant to section 553 of the Municipal Government Act, RSA 2000, c M-26, all unpaid charges for municipal utility services provided by 1538974 Alberta Ltd. in the amounts and to the parcels of land set out in Schedule A of the 2021 Q2 Financial Operating Report & Utility Accounts Transferred to Taxes Request for Decision dated July 20, 2021, and that these amounts be added to the tax roll of each subject parcel of land. Council approved amendments to Policy 834, being the Human Resources Policies and Procedures Framework Policy, as presented. Council approved the cancellation of the November 2, 2021 Regular Meeting of Council, pursuant to Section 193(3) of the Municipal Government Act. Council approved amendments to Policy 501, being the Winter Maintenance Policy and Procedure, as presented. Council gave Second and Third Readings of Bylaw 036-20, being the Chestermere Traffic Bylaw, as presented. Council gave Second and Third Readings to Bylaw 013-21, being the Off-Site Levy Bylaw, as presented. Council gave all Readings of Bylaw 022-21, Amendment to Tax Penalties and Fees Bylaw 014-18. Council first amended the proposed Mobile Vendors Bylaw 020-21 by adding the following fee schedule to Section 4 “Permit Requirements”: - 1 month Mobile Vendor Permit: $100 - 4 month Mobile Vendor Permit: $350 Council then gave all Readings of Bylaw 020-21, Mobile Vendors Bylaw, as amended. Council appointed a Chair, Vice-Chair and a member to the Police Communications Committee, effective immediately, for a term ending December 31, 2021. Council appointed a member to the Chestermere Accessibility Advisory Committee, as Vice Chair, effective immediately for a term ending December 31, 2022.
• Council appointed Councillor Young as Vice Chair of the Streetscape Committee, effective immediately, for the remainder of Council’s term. • Council appointed a member to the Marigold Library Board, as Chestermere Representative, effective immediately for a three-year term. • Council directed the Mayor and CAO to execute the revised Pinty’s Grand Slam of Curling License Agreement with Rogers Media Inc. for the purpose of hosting, in collaboration with Chestermere Regional Community Association and the Chestermere Curling Association, to be held in November 2021. • A Public Hearing of Bylaw 009-21, Proposed R-3 Land Use Redesignation in Dawson’s Landing took place. Crystal Jackson, Planner I with the City of Chestermere, presented her staff report and answered questions from Council. There were no registrants to speak in favour of or against the Bylaw. • Council gave Second and Third Readings to Bylaw 009-21 – Proposed R-3 Land Use Redesignation in Dawson’s Landing, as presented. • A Public Hearing of Bylaw 031-20, Proposed Land Use Redesignation within the Dawson's Landing Outline Plan took place. Sara AlinaghiPour, Planner I with the City of Chestermere, presented her staff report and answered questions from Council. There was one registrant to speak in favour. No registrants spoke against the Bylaw. • Council gave Second and Third Readings to Bylaw 031-20, being a Bylaw to redesignate the subject parcel in DAWSON’S LANDING from Direct Control – Low Rise Multi-Unit Residential/ Commercial District (DC(R-4C)), as presented.
September 7 • Council directed Administration to proceed in taking the necessary steps to reduce the speed limit along the 80km/h zone of Chestermere Boulevard to 60km/h. • Council approved the Change of Use Permit for DP 21-19625/213 for #213, 100 Rainbow Road, with the proposed conditions as outlined in Exhibit A of the Request for Decision dated September 7, 2021.
• Council approved the Revision and Change of Use Permit for DP 21-6750 for 117 Main Street, with the proposed conditions as outlined in Exhibit A of the Request for Decision dated September 7, 2021. • Council approved the removal of Action Item 444-20, Tax Penalties and Fees Bylaw and of Action Item 158-19, Drainage Issues Near East Lakeview Rd and Kinniburgh Blvd. • Council approved the cancellation of the October 12, 2021 Committee of the Whole Meeting, pursuant to Section 193(3) of the Municipal Government Act. • A Public Hearing of Bylaw 020-20, Proposed Amendments to the Municipal Development Plan took place. Jordan Furness, Senior Planner with the City of Chestermere, presented his staff report and answered questions from Council. There were no registrants to speak in favour of or against the Bylaw. • A Public Hearing of Bylaw 019-20, Proposed Amendments to the Land Use Bylaw for Future Growth Areas and Red Tape Reduction took place. Jordan Furness, Senior Planner with the City of Chestermere, presented his staff report and answered questions from Council. There were no registrants to speak in favour of or against the Bylaw. • Council appointed three members for varying terms to the Chestermere Library Board effective immediately. • Council resolved that the Province of Alberta, in consultation with municipalities develop a plan to improve the delivery and performance of the ambulance system where municipalities are recognized and compensated for the role they play in support of the provincial health care system.
Tune in to watch Chestermere City Council meetings online! Visit to view live and previously recorded Council meetings online at chestermere.ca/agendas.
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CANDIDATE
INFORMATION
2021
On October 18, residents of Chestermere will elect a new City Council made up of six Councillors and one Mayor. This Council will serve a four-year term from October 2021 to October 2025.
Candidates Running for Mayor
VOTING DAYS: Sunday, October 3 Monday, October 4 Wednesday, October 13 Saturday, October 16 Monday, October 18
ALL VOTING IS AT THE
Chestermere Recreation Centre 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
JEFF COLVIN
MICHELLE YOUNG
votejeff2021@gmail.com jeffcolvin2021.com
403-720-2077 michelle@votemichelle.ca votemichelle.ca
Candidates Running for Councillor
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SHANNON DEAN
LAURIE DUNN
403-483-0603 vote4shannon2021@gmail.com vote4shannon.com
403-874-3049 lauriedunnforcouncil@gmail.com lauriemdunn.com
MEL FOAT 403-819-7665 contact@melfoat.ca
BLAINE FUNK 403-863-2205 blaine4council@gmail.com blainefunk.ca
Candidates Running for Councillor Con't...
MURRAY GRANT
STEPHEN HANLEY
403-312-6328 vote@votemurray.ca
403-437-2470 stephen@vote4stephenhanley.ca vote4stephenhanley.ca
SANDY (SANDEEP) JOHAL-WATT 403-852-3953 sjwattforcouncil@gmail.com
ANNA KARDASH 403-399-1560 a512@shaw.ca
SATISH LAL
MORGAN MATHESON
CYNDIE MCOUAT
RITESH NARAYAN
403-519-7255 lalsatish311@gmail.com satishlal.com
403-990-1133 morgan@adrenalineearthworks.ca morganmatheson.com
403-852-3843 cyndie.mcouat@telus.net cyndiemcouat.com
403-383-4109 vote4ritesh@gmail.com vote4ritesh.com
For complete candidate information, or for more about the municipal election, visit chestermere.ca/election.
NEENA OBHRAI
JANELLE SANDBOE
neenaobhraiforcouncil@gmail.com neenaobhraiforcouncil.ca
janelle.sandboe@outlook.com janellesandboe.com
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Follow us!
WHAT’S NEW AT THE
@chestermerereccentre
Chestermere Rec Centre
Drop-In Pickle Ball
Public Skate & Shinny Are Back!
The Chestermere Rec Centre will host drop-in pickle ball in our main gym most Thursdays this fall. Check out chestermerecrca.com for more info.
Lace up your skates and get your hockey sticks ready because public skate and open shinny are back at the Chestermere Rec Centre! Visit chestermerecrca.com for dates and times.
ANNA HASSELBORG
BEN HEBERT
JOHN MORRIS
TEAM HASSELBORG
TEAM KOE
TEAM KOE
Chestermere Regional Community Association 201 West Chestermere Drive | 403.272.7170 chestermerecrca.com
‘Chase the Ace’ Fundraiser Coming Soon! Draw an ace, win half the pot! It’s your chance to win big money and help raise funds for the CRCA. This new progressive fundraiser with huge jackpot potential is coming soon. Stay tuned to chestermerecrca.com for more details.
NOV 2–7, 2021 CHESTERMERE RECREATION CENTRE CHESTERMERE, ALBERTA
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TICKETS ON SALE AT THEGRANDSLAMOFCURLING.COM
! Library Hours NEW
Drop-in Family Story Time 10:15 a.m. - Tues, Thurs, Sat Toddler Story Time 10:15 a.m. - Fridays
10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Wednesday
10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Thursday
10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Friday
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday
12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
facebook.com/ChestermerePublicLibrary twitter.com/ChestermereLib instagram.com/chestermerelibrary
1. Call us, tell us what you'd like and book a pick-up time. 2. Call us when you arrive. 3. Pick up your checked-out items (contact-less) from outside the library doors.
This program consists of a backpack containing books, activities, and other resources to help parents/caregivers have conversations around sensitive topics.
Baby Story Time 10:15 a.m. - Mondays
Tuesday
chestermerepubliclibrary.com
Parenting2Go
Drop- in Fun!
10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
105B Marina Road (403) 272-9025 info@chestermerepubliclibrary.com
Please check our website for the latest updates about programs, hours, events and activities. Due to the evolving nature of the regulations around the COVID-19 pandemic, our services may change with little notice. As always, we will comply with government and AHS regulations.
This service is made possible through a grant from Chestermere FCSS.
Monday
If you arrive without an appointment, please allow us a few minutes to collect and check out your holds and get them ready for pick-up.
Special Events Science Fair (Saturday, September 25) We will be holding a special Science Program from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Watch our website and Facebook for details coming soon. Christopher Cool's Family Magic Show (Friday, November 5) Christopher Cool - Calgary's Funniest & Most Kid Friendly Magician will be making a magical appearance at our library at 3:30 p.m. Christopher's highly interactive family friendly magic show will include amazing magic & lots of silly fun! You may even get to learn the secret to a magic trick! You won't want to miss this show!
Story Pals Join us at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays and take a turn reading to one of the Community Therapy Dogs.
Art Saturdays Join us for these workshops facilitated by a local artist. We have two different Decoupage/Collage Workshops. The Family Workshop is 10 - 10:45 a.m. for parent and child (8+).
After School Programs
Lego Fun (Ages 8+) NEW! Have fun with Lego Thursdays at 4:15 p.m. There will be themes and challenges each week. After School STEAM Club If you love science and art, this is the club for you. STEAM Club is Fridays at 4:15 p.m.
Library2You Library2You is back. This delivery service is available on alternate Fridays.
LIBRARY2YOU
Home delivery
Call the library to arrange for a no contact delivery right to your door. 13
MajorNews
Read all details at chestermere.ca/news received a formal application, and we have many dozens of development and building files we are working on, and that there is no indication that an application is coming anytime soon but rather the developer is considering waiting for a new City Council and term before proceeding, we now consider the redevelopment of Lakeside Greens golf course file ‘closed’.
Lakeside Greens Golf Course File Closed June 23
The following is an excerpt of an update from Bernie Morton, CAO, regarding the Lakeside Greens Golf Course. To read the complete letter, visit chestermere.ca/news.
Should the development partnership wish to resume their interest in the future, our staff will again commence discussions. But we have many files we are working on, and they will have to wait their turn. And should the development partnership engage again with City staff on any proposal to redevelop the golf course, I will be sure to advise the community and keep you up to date on the progress of the file.
Dear Neighbours, The last update was just over five months ago and my initial update was in the fall 2020. As I stated then, and as I am stating now, as the City’s Chief Administrative Officer, I have significant concerns with the development as proposed. Regardless of the reasons, or the housing types considered, or the intended benefits offered by the developer, the golf course lands are specifically designated for parks and open space use in the Municipal Development Plan. And, the proposal as described is currently not permitted under local and provincial regulations. It is my duty to support the laws and policies as enacted by City Council, including the Municipal Development Plan, and when I believe they deserve amending, I advise City Council as such. It has been over nine months since the announcement of the idea to redevelop Lakeside Greens, and during that time City staff have been very accommodating in assisting the partnership in reviewing their proposals, detailing the application process, the review process, and the City Council approval process. But, the Lakeside Greens Golf Course Partnership has still not submitted a formal application for an amendment to the Municipal Development Plan, which is the required first step should they wish to pursue this project. Given that the City of Chestermere has still not 14
Partnership Between the City and CIWA to Provide a Culturally Sensitive Approach to Counselling June 30
The City of Chestermere has partnered with the Calgary Immigrant Women’s Association (CIWA) to offer multi-lingual in-person and virtual counselling services to Chestermere residents. This new partnership will help facilitate the delivery of counselling services to Chestermere residents in their first language as part of the Well-Being, Equity, and Resiliency Counselling Services Project.
Tax Bills Included a 1.1% cut June 28
Municipal tax notices delivered to residents in June included a cut to the tax requirement. “We are very pleased to have been able to cut the tax requirement again,” says Mayor Marshall Chalmers. “We committed to sorting out taxes when we were elected, and we have done just that.” The tax cut was originally announced when the budget was set last December, but the annual tax bill comes out in June following the City’s annual assessment. This 1.1% cut follows a 2% cut in 2020 and a 2% tax cut in 2019. Council also reduced a 2018 planned increased of 2% down to a 0.9% increase. For more information on Chestermere’s taxes, visit chestermere.ca/taxes.
Currently, counsellors can speak Arabic, Amharic, Bengali, French, Hindi, Mandarin, Punjabi, Pashto, Spanish, Tigrinya and Urdu. “The need for culturally sensitive counselling services in multiple languages became even more apparent during the pandemic,” says Danielle Fermin, Manager of Community Support Services for the City of Chestermere. “We are seeing some alarming trends stemming from increased stress factors and families spending more time inside the home due to public health restrictions.” The program aims to help families, youth, and seniors develop independence, learn practical parenting skills, strengthen coping skills, become more resistant to crisis, and promote peaceful and harmonious living while preventing family violence. For more information on this program and other mental health and counselling services in Chestermere, visit chestermere.ca/mentalhealth.
The next call for Community Grant applications will occur in the spring of 2022. To learn more about the Chestermere Community Grant program, visit chestermere.ca/communitygrants. Funding of the Community Grant program is subject to annual budget approval by Chestermere City Council.
Underground Stormwater and Copper Water Service Pipe Upgrades July 7
Above ground, residents had to show some extra patience this summer as they experienced road closures and diversions. That patience is still needed as we continue to work below ground to update the stormwater system (to reduce the possibility of flooding during significant rain events) and update old copper water lines that bring clean drinking water to resident’s taps (that are eroding into the soil). Residents saw these upgrades start during the summer months, however they are expected to continue into the fall. Funded by the Government of Alberta’s Municipal Stimulus Plan grant program, these upgrades will improve the City’s resiliency to future flooding events and ensure our underground pipes and connections last for decades to come. To learn more about the stormwater upgrades and the copper water service pipe replacements, visit chestermere.ca/utitlies.
Community Grant Program Awards $96,779 in Grants to Enhance Local Services to the Community July 20
In May, the City announced it would accept applications for $129,000 in Community Grant funding for projects to enhance local amenities in sports and recreation, arts, culture, history and the social well-being of the residents of Chestermere.
Construction Begins on New Chestermere Civic Recreation Centre August 19
On August 19, representatives from the City of Chestermere, community groups, local recreation organizations, developers and the project team celebrated the sod turning for the upcoming Chestermere Civic Recreation Centre.
The total amount of Community Grant Funding awarded was $96,779.32, leaving $32,220.68 that will be carried over into the 2022 grant funding cycle.
The transit extension is in a pilot phase and will be evaluated throughout the term of the agreement with Calgary. The current route has twelve stops on the west side of Chestermere. More stops throughout Chestermere and on the east side of Chestermere Lake may be added in the future. Regular Calgary Transit fares will apply. Special passes (for seniors, low-income residents or students) will not currently be accepted for the Chestermere link, but will be considered in the future. Tickets can be purchased via the My Fare App or at Safeway and Petro Canada. More information about fares and schedules can be found at chestermere.ca/transit.
The new facility will be located just off of Merganser Drive in the new community of Dawson’s Landing and will be situated across the street from two future schools. The project is being funded by developers (through offsite levies), government grants and donations. The Civic Recreation Centre has been thoughtfully designed as an inclusive and fully accessible community hub for all ages. Specific elements for Phase 1 include a FIFA sized turf field, a fitness centre, a spin studio, a multipurpose studio that can support fitness classes or community events, and more! The sod turning marks a significant milestone for this project. Since 2014, City staff have conducted community consultation, a formal needs assessment, partnership exploration, site and concept feasibility work, development discussions, interviews with recreation experts, and other community site visits. City Council approved a site in 2020 and schematic designs in June 2021. The anticipated opening of the building is the late Summer or early Fall of 2023. To learn more about the project, visit Chestermere.ca/civiccentre
Mayor Chalmers accepts the Richardson's donation to Gifts of Kindness
Gifts of Kindness Fund Bolstered with $10,000 Donation from Glen and Jeannette Richardson August 27
The City’s Gifts of Kindness fund had an influx of summer support recently as a local family donated $10,000 towards the charity. “From the bottom of our hearts, we want to say thank you to Glen and Jeannette Richardson who have so generously contributed to the Gifts of Kindness fund,” says Danielle Fermin, the City of Chestermere’s Manager of Community Support Services. Glen and Jeannette Richardson have lived in Chestermere since 1997 and have been regular contributors to the fund, but they decided to give a larger amount this year. “We had some extra money because I’d sold some classic cars of mine and we just wanted to give back to the community,” says Glen. “This is a difficult time for many people, and we consider ourselves fortunate and we want to pay it forward.”
A total of 18 applications were received throughout May 2021, requesting a total of $278,333.27. “Applications were evaluated by the Committee to determine if projects were in alignment with Council’s strategic priorities,” says Marla Polachek, Coordinator, Support Services for the City. “Other evaluation criteria included determining the community need for the projects, the effectiveness of the implementation plan, and the value demonstrated in the project budget.”
is needed for our residents. We heard you, we acted, and we made it happen – without impacting taxes!” says Mayor Marshall Chalmers. The service began August 30 and will be an extension of Calgary’s MAX Purple Line and will run for two trips twice a day (during a.m. and p.m. peak times). These trips see MAX Purple continuing its route past East Hills where it currently stops, and on to Chestermere.
Calgary Transit Link to Chestermere August 24
The City of Chestermere announced that for the very first time, a transit link to Calgary is available for Chestermere residents. “We kept hearing from our community that transit
The Richardsons expressed that they are pleased that the funds will be supporting the City’s efforts to help people in need. The City’s Gifts of Kindness charity (previously called Christmas with Dignity) provides short term funding to residents who are struggling. For more information on Gifts of Kindness, including how to apply to access support, visit chestermere.ca/kindness. 15
Series
Meeting the faces behind Chestermere's community organizations
Giving & Receiving
Kindness
There’s an old saying that “it is in giving that we receive” (St. Francis of Assisi) and this is very true for the women who run the City’s Gifts of Kindness Fund. Gifts of Kindness provides short term financial support to help meet the basic needs of Chestermere and South East Rocky View residents. In addition to helping people get back on their feet, this support helps prevent long term social challenges in our community such as homelessness and malnutrition. To be eligible for the funding, families must demonstrate that they have pursued all other options of support and need an emergency boost. If clients who contact the team have not yet done so, Paulette and Olimphya provide referrals to other longer term funding and support options.
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While their role is to manage the Gifts of Kindness program and provide short term funding to community members in need, Olimphya and Paulette also feel honoured to be entrusted with the stories and hope of the clients they serve. Below, learn a bit more about why these ladies pour their hearts into this special local charity: "I like this quote as reminds me of the work that I do with the Gifts of Kindness Program: “Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have” (Margaret Mead). The Gifts of Kindness Program is not just to provide financial support to individuals or families. It is the name of the program to be kind; to have empathy for others. We offer a smile, a warm welcome to the centre, a non-judgemental attitude, a listening ear and try to understand and put ourselves in somebody else's shoes. Those simple things can make a difference in the lives of others, and for me to give that to others fulfills my life." Olimphya Hermosillo de Elizondo, Resource and Outreach Facilitator “I have always loved people and I am so fortunate to have a career that allows me to grow and work with people every day. It just breaks my heart to have anyone come to us with financial stressors, and if there’s any way we can help and make a difference through resources, references, or Gifts of Kindness to name a few, then this is my reward. It’s very heartwarming and rejuvenating when we hear back from clients thanking us for the help we provided and to see them thrive and be successful.” Paulette Tippe, Resource and Outreach Facilitator “As a community, we have grown closer together through the evolvement of COVID-19. We have exchanged courageous stories exposing social inequities that continue to structure a have and have not society. These burgeoning dialogues have also sharpened our understanding of the importance to be compassionate, and to check in on one another’s wellbeing. In a time of differing perspectives and physical gathering restrictions challenging our typical ways of being present for one another, our community demonstrated unity and commitment to tackling the conditions of poverty in creative ways. With all of your contributions and support, Gifts of Kindness has become more prominent as a meaningful avenue for community change. With our neighbours and partners, building back up our community and our social safety net is more possible than ever.” Danielle Fermin, Manager, Community Support Services 16
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Fallon’s Story: A NOTE FROM A GIFTS OF KINDNESS RECIPIENT Written by Kathryn Higdon Originally published in December 2020 Fallon McLaine moved to Chestermere 13 years ago, when she was just 20 years old, from Prince Edward Island. After moving to Chestermere and being away from her family, Fallon fell into an unhealthy relationship, a drug and alcohol addiction, and was suffering with her mental health.
“I was young and vulnerable, and I grew up really fast,” explains Fallon. “I felt as though I lost all sense of myself; I was just like a lost soul.” After battling with her unhealthy relationship, addictions, and self-esteem issues for years, something shifted, and she made a sudden change to get out of her relationship. “I really had no idea what I was doing, I was so messed up and scared,” says Fallon. “I ended up in the hospital, severely underweight, and I just didn’t even want to live anymore.” A few days after she left the hospital, Fallon went into the Chestermere City Hall and found herself sitting at Paulette Tippe’s desk. “I really don’t even remember why I went in there in the first place,” says Fallon. “But I know I ended up being there for a reason.” Paulette Tippe is a member of the community of Chestermere and she is one of the Family and Community Resource Centre staff who stewards funds from Gifts of Kindness, which provides short term financial support to help meet the basic needs of Chestermere and South East Rocky View residents. “I instantly connected with Paulette,” says Fallon. “I was able to share some of my story with her, which was extremely difficult as I was embarrassed and ashamed, but she never once judged me, she just accepted me and loved on me.”
Gifts of Kindness provides residents with financial help, such as gift certificates, and also sets them up with resources like the Chestermere Food Bank. “I remember getting this gift card, and just daydreaming about what I could get with it,” says Fallon. “I literally had no money, so this $100 gift card meant the world to me.” After meeting with Paulette at Gifts of Kindness, Fallon ended up going to a mental health and addictions treatment centre. “At first I didn’t want to go to treatment, I thought ‘I don’t need this’, but it actually ended up being the best 14 weeks of my life,” says Fallon. She explains that during treatment she was able to learn about her traits and traumas, and why she does the things she does, and she really got to find herself. “I surrendered in there, and I got to truly heal,” she explains. “I put everything into that program.” After she had completed treatment, and spent some time in a sober living home, Fallon moved back to Chestermere. Fallon ended up surprising Paulette by running into her one day at Lakeridge Community Church and still keeps in touch with her. “She’s like my angel,” says Fallon.
Fallon says the support she has received from Gifts of Kindness and the Chestermere Food Bank has genuinely helped her. "It’s so nice to know that people care,” she says. “It really is just a simple act of kindness that means so much.” Fallon has been able to overcome incredible adversity and she says she is thankful for all the people that have helped her on her journey. “I just want people to know that places like Gifts of Kindness, and the Food Bank exist, and you don’t have to be homeless living on the streets to apply for this,” says Fallon. “These programs are there to help people with all kinds of different situations and you don’t have to feel ashamed.” Organizations such as Gifts of Kindness and the Chestermere Food Bank rely on donations, and the need for these services has drastically increased this year with the current COVID-19 pandemic. “I know how much these programs have helped me, and I know that I would love the opportunity to help someone else and give back,” says Fallon. “If you have a little extra to give, these programs can honestly change someone’s life.” Fallon now runs an online business selling active wear, and is also a fitness enthusiast, a mental health advocate, and a loving mother of two.
Reach Out
How You Can Help:
For more information on Gifts of Kindness visit: Chestermere.ca/kindness
Any time during the year, you can make a difference in the lives of Chestermere and South East Rocky View residents by donating any amount.
For more information on the Chestermere Food Bank visit: chestermerefoodbank.ca For anybody struggling with mental health please call the Calgary Distress Centre on their 24-hour line at 403.266.HELP (4357)
• Visit Chestermere.ca/kindness to donate online. • Send a cheque. • Contact the Family & Community Resource Centre (403-207-7079) if you'd like to make a special donation.
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0-13 years of age. We do this by delivering a variety of engaging parenting workshops, seminars, and r individualized support to help parents connect with the most up-to-date information, out outips, and Checkchildren. resources when it comes to being a parent and raising healthy, resilient It n takes g a ti s t li village to raise a child, and PCSS is here to offer families local connection currenand support rams throughout your parenting journey! f prog
Parent & Caregiver
Support Services
o
Check out our current listing of Programs
CONNECT WITH US: (403) 207-7050 pcssinfo@chestermere.ca Parent & Caregiver Support Services (PCSS) offers free, quality, community-based parenting support, programs, and chestermere.ca/pcss services in Chestermere. We are provincially funded through the Government of Alberta's Family Resource Network contact us (FRN) program with our specific focus being to support parents and caregivers with children 0-13 years Please of age. facebook.com/chestermerepcss for more information:
PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS NOW HAVE THREE OPTIONS WHEN SEEKING FAMILY SUPPORTS AND PROGRAMMING As our Parent Link Centre funding ended in March of 2020, a re-envisioned program that supports children, youth and families was launched by the province to place more emphasis on the well-being and resiliency of Albertans. Chestermere and area parents, caregivers, and children (0 to 18 years of age) can now access a range of quality programming, support services, and resources through the Chestermere-Strathmore Family Resource Network (FRN).
(403) 207-7050 pcssinfo@chestermere.ca chestermere.ca/pcss
resources, whether that is information on potty training, or supporting you with a customized plan on how you can help your child cope with stress.” The PCSS team also offers a variety of parenting programs and workshops, often times delivering these in partnership with local service providers. “For example, we offer workshops about anxiety and stress in children, sleep routines, the Positive Parenting Program (Triple P), and attachment-based parenting,” says Suzan. “We can also provide individualized, one-on-one parenting support if parents need it.” Throughout the past 18 months, Chestermere PCSS has been able to successfully adapt to virtual programming to ensure families continued to receive support throughout the pandemic. “Many of our programs and services will be transitioning back to in-person opportunities, however we will continue to offer virtual parenting workshops due to popularity and the convenience for families,” adds Suzan.
The network serves Chestermere, Langdon, South East Rocky View, Strathmore, Wheatland County, Rockyford, Standard, Hussar, Gleichen, and Cluny.
Families can self-refer to any of these programs, and can also complete a brief online referral form to indicate the support and services they are interested in. The referral form is available at chestermere.ca/family.
“The Chestermere-Strathmore FRN provides FREE family-focused, child and youth-centered, programs and services to these communities through a collaboration between the City of Chestermere, Trellis Commons and Healthy Families,” says Suzan Jensen, Coordinator of Parent & Caregiver Support Services with the City.
“One of our PCSS team members will then follow-up directly with some appropriate recommendations,” explains Suzan.
These three agencies all have a unique area of focus (see infographic for details). The City of Chestermere’s Parent & Caregiver Support Services (PCSS) focuses on supporting Chestermere parents and caregivers with children under the age of 13. “Being a parent is one of the hardest jobs we will take on, you won't always have the answers or know what to do, and that is normal,” adds Suzan. “Our team of Caregiver Support Facilitators can provide you with connections to
To check out the latest programs and workshops that are available, visit the Parent & Caregiver Support Services (PCSS) website at chestermere.ca/pcss. Families can also use the above webpage to find the monthly Chestermere/ Strathmore FRN Newsletter with a full listing of the early childhood development and youth programming and services that are offered by the two partner agencies in our region.
What agencies and programs make up the Chestermere-Strathmore FRN?: Healthy Families offers a home visitation program throughout the region for parents and families with children under the age of 6, offering individualized supports and services depending on the needs of each family. Phone: (403) 586-0665 | Email: main@asc-mva.ab.ca | Web: https://asc-mva.ab.ca/family-support-services/healthyfamilies/ 18
Chestermere-Strathmore
Family Resource Network (FRN)
Chestermere-Strathmore
Family Resource Network (FRN)
Parent & Caregiver Support Services (PCSS)
Trellis Commons Chestermere/Strathmore
Part of the City of Chestermere's Community Support Services (CSS) Department
SERVICE AREA Strathmore, Wheatland County,
SERVICE AREA Chestermere, Alberta
Southeast Rocky View, and Chestermere
PROGRAMS & SERVICES
PROGRAMS & SERVICES
- Parent education workshops & programs
- One-on-one parenting support
- early childhood development programs
- Developmental check-ups
- Information, resources & referrals
- youth programs
POPULATIONS SERVED
- home visitation services for families with children ages 7-18 - Intensive & targeted parenting support
POPULATIONS SERVED
Parents and caregivers with children under the age of 13
Children ages 0-18, parents, caregivers and families
Residing in Chestermere
Healthy Families
Residing in the Chestermere, Strathmore FRN region
Part of Accredited Supports to the Community (ASC)
SERVICE AREA
Strathmore, Wheatland County, Southeast Rocky View, and Chestermere
PROGRAMS & SERVICES - Home visitation services for new parents with children under the age of 6
Helping parents and caregivers strengthen their knowledge of: - Baby care - Effective parenting skills - early childhood development - Nurturing and attachment
POPULATIONS SERVED Parents and caregivers with children ages 0-6 Residing in the Chestermere, Strathmore FRN region
Trellis Commons Chestermere/Strathmore delivers a range of services throughout the region including: early childhood development and youth programs, Indigenous parenting programs, home visitation services for families with children ages 7-18, as well as information and supports, all of which are available to Chestermere residents. Phone: (403) 983-0076 | Web: growwithtrellis.ca Email: strathmoreFRN@growwithtrellis.ca
The City of Chestermere’s Parent & Caregiver Support Services (PCSS) focuses on supporting Chestermere parents and caregivers with children under the age of 13 by offering a range of virtual and in-person workshops, parenting support, developmental check-ups, information and resources. Phone: (403) 207-7050 | Email: pcssinfo@chestermere.ca | Web: chestermere.ca/pcss 19
Celebrating our diverse events in Chestermere To help remind us of the important role we can play in helping to promote mutual understanding and respect for people of all backgrounds, here are some cultural events to celebrate during the months of October, November and December! For more information on diversity initiatives at the City of Chestermere, contact the office of Diversity and Inclusion at: Diversity@chestermere.ca (403) 207-7050, ext. 7047 See all our community events at chestermerecalendar.ca.
World Mental Health Day on October 10, is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. October 11 is dedicated to observing the International Day of the Girl Child. The observation supports more opportunity for girls and increases awareness of gender inequality faced by girls worldwide. Thanksgiving Day, celebrated on October 11, sees friends and families gather for a traditional feast to celebrate the harvest and other blessings of the past year. The International Day for the Eradication of Poverty is held annually on October 17, to provide an opportunity to acknowledge the effort and struggle of people living in poverty; a chance for them to make their concerns heard; and a moment to recognize that poor people are the first ones to fight against poverty. Persons Day (named after the legal case Edwards v. Canada) marked annually on October 18, celebrates the day in 1929 that a ruling was passed down by the Imperial Privy Council of Canada to make women eligible to sit in the Canadian Senate. United Nations Day, or Citizenship Day on October 24 is an annual commemorative day, reflecting the official creation of the United Nations on October 24, 1945. Diwali, celebrated on November 4, is a festival of lights and one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists, 20
notably Newar Buddhists. In the lead-up to Diwali, celebrants will prepare by cleaning, renovating, and decorating their homes and workplaces with diyas (oil lamps) and rangolis (colorful art circle patterns), wear their finest clothes and partake in family feasts. November 11 is Remembrance Day where we acknowledge the sacrafices of our men and women in uniform. Universal Children's Day is celebrated on November 20, each year to promote international togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improving children's welfare. Every year, from November 25 (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) to December 10 (World Human Rights Day), Canadians observe the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. It is an opportunity to come together to call out, speak up and renew our commitment to end gender-based violence. November 25 is the International Day to End Violence Against Women. The day raises awareness of the fact that women around the world are subject to rape, domestic violence and other forms of violence; furthermore, one of the aims of the day is to highlight that the scale and true nature of the issue is often hidden. Beginning the evening of November 28, and lasting until the evening of December 6, Hanukkah, a Jewish eight-day, wintertime “festival of lights,” is celebrated with a nightly menorah lighting, special prayers and fried foods.
December 1 is World AIDS Day. It is an international day dedicated to raising awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection and mourning those who have died of the disease. December 2 is the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery. This day focuses on eradicating contemporary forms of slavery, such as trafficking in persons, sexual exploitation, the worst forms of child labour, forced marriage, and the forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict. International Day for Disabled Persons on December 3, aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society and development, and to increase awareness of the situation of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life. Observed on December 10, Human Rights Day celebrates the day the Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the UN. The UDHR is a milestone document that proclaims the inalienable rights which everyone is entitled to as a human being - regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Christians around the world celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ through the Christmas season on December 24, Christmas Eve and on December 25, Christmas Day.
Community Recreation
This space was provided to community recreation groups that have open program registrations. These programs may change and are contingent on any public restrictions at the time. If you'd like your community organization's programs added to the next edition of this guide, email comms@chestermere.ca.
Calgary Yacht Club
Visit calgaryyachtclub.wildapricot.org for program info.
Luna PLAY Kids Provides a variety of activities such as gymnastics, music, dance, yoga and sports for ages 0 - 9 yrs. Run locally by Tracy Frimpong, these programs focus on making movement fun for kids! For more info visit @kidscoachtracy on Facebook or @luna.playkids on Instagram.
Ice Edge Skating Club Visit iceedgeskatingclub.com for details on programs and schedule.
New members welcome!
Chestermere Crushers Baseball Find more program info at crushersbaseball.ca
Chestermere United FC
Get more information on soccer programs at chestermereunited.com.
Chestermere Chiefs Football Provides the opportunity to learn and play tackle football to youth aged 8-14. chestermerechiefsfootball.com
Chestermere Vikings Rugby Visit chestermerevikings.ca for details.
CLS Minor Basketball Association
Chestermere Minor Hockey
Check out clsminorbasketball.ca for more info.
Find information at chestermereminorhockey.com.
Junior Champions Soccer For more info visit Juniorchampions.ca
Lakeside Golf Find info on programs and fees at lakesidegreens.com.
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Snowmobiling
Ice Fishing
Skating
Cross-Country Skiing
Shinny
You’ll see many residents and visitors cruising the ice on ATVs and snowmobiles on a crisp winter day.
Ice fishing historically has been very popular on Chestermere Lake. Local anglers and those out of town often come to fish primarily for Northern Pike.
Chestermere offers outdoor skating for the whole family!
Interested in cross-country skiing?
Did you know that the City, in partnership with local volunteers, created and maintained 12 outdoor skating rinks last year?
We have some local folks who often create a path on the Lake when the conditions are favourable.
The City has two dedicated rinks for shinny in town. One is on Seagreen Link.
Interested in joining the fun? The only authorized public access point for off highway vehicles (OHV) to the lake in the winter is the boat launch, located at John Peake Park (100 John Morris Way). As always, safety first! Be sure to wear a helmet and watch your speed! Also keep an eye out for other lake users, like those walking, skating or skiing, and ensure you keep a safe distance. What you need to get started: Alberta Transportation Requirements • You need to be 14 years of age or older to drive a offhighway vehicle in Alberta • Helmet • OHV registration • Insurance coverage • A way to transport the OHV to the lake (ex. trailer) because you can’t drive them on the streets or through City parks.
The south side of the lake is where fisherman typically set up fishing huts. Fish have been caught up to four pounds. It may be worthwhile to scope out some of the other shallower parts of the lake, particularly if the south end is busy. If you are interested in ice fishing, be sure to get your fishing license and check to ensure you are fishing during an authorized season. You'll need a fishing license, rod, auger, shelter, and warm winter wear (gloves, hat, scarf, insulated boots).
Lake rinks can be accessed from Chestermere Landing and Anniversary Park. A variety of smaller rinks are located throughout the City. To learn more about our rinks and how to participate safely, please visit: chestermere.ca/rinks.
Cross-country skiing is an excellent aerobic workout to stay healthy and have fun locally. You’ll need cross-country skis, poles, and warm winter gear (gloves, hat, scarf, etc.) to get started.
This rink has boards to help contain the puck during game play. Another is at Anniversary Park where the Parks Team has set up hockey nets. What you need to get started are skates, a helmet, a hockey stick, and a hockey puck.
You’ll need skates, a helmet and warm winter gear (gloves, hat, scarf, etc.) to get started.
Winter Activities IN CHESTERMERE
!
Remember, no ice is safe ice. Remember to keep off storm ponds - they are NOT safe to walk or skate on. Please use City sanctioned ice rinks instead. If you plan to venture onto the lake, check current ice conditions before you go at chestermere.ca/ice.
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Community
CONTACTS & RESOURCES
A comprehensive guide to community supports and resources for City of Chestermere residents.
CRISIS & MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
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HEALTH SERVICES
SENIORS' SERVICES
EMERGENCY SERVICES
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
911 EMERGENCY
Alberta Health Services (AHS) Mental Health Help Line 1-877-303-2642
Alberta 211, Health Resource Directory • Call 211 • ab.211.ca - live chat • Text INFO to 211
Alberta Find a Doctor albertafindadoctor.ca 811 Health Link
College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta search.cpsa.ca/ physiciansearch (780) 423-4764
Chestermere Coalition for Seniors chestermerecoalitionforseniors@gmail.com
City of Chestermere Family & Community Resource Centre crcinfo@chestermere.ca (403) 207-7079 Chestermere Food Bank Self-referral form available online chestermerefoodbank.ca (403) 273-0777
Kids Help Phone • kidshelpphone.ca • Text CONNECT to 686868 • 1-800-668-6868
Lakeridge Community Church evandewald@gmail.com (403) 901-9200
SPIRITUAL SERVICES
SOCIAL SUPPORTS
PARENT & CAREGIVER SUPPORTS
Parent and Caregiver Support Services pcssinfo@chestermere.ca (403) 207-7050 Community Education Service community.hmhc.ca (403) 955-4730
Older Adults and Community Development Facilitator, City of Chestermere smatthewman@chestermere.ca (403) 804-0817 Without Walls Seniors’ Centre (780) 395-2626
Calgary Islamic Assembly amcia.org (403) 590-8200
Lakeridge Community Church evandewald@gmail.com (403) 901-9200
Camp Chestermere campchestermere.com (403) 272-6030
St. Gabriel’s Parish Chestermere (403) 455-0196
Hindu Society of Chestermere calgaryhindusociety.com (403) 291-2551 Cut out this page and use it as a resource later!
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voter
INFORMATION CAN I VOTE? WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE? To vote in the Chestermere municipal election, you must: • Be at least 18 years of age; • Be a Canadian citizen; • Be an Alberta resident for the 6 months prior to Election Day; • Have your place of residence located in the City of Chestermere on Election Day; • Show ID to verify your name and address
ACCEPTABLE FORMS OF ID: The best form of ID is a government issued photo ID that shows both your name and address, eg. Driver’s License. If one does not have a Driver’s License, then 2 pieces of ID will be required to prove both name and address. Some examples are listed below: • • • • • • • • •
AB Health Card Bank or credit card statement Insurance policy/coverage card Utility bill Lease or mortgage statement Vehicle registration/insurance coverage card Statement of government benefits Income tax return Property assessment notice
If you have a temporary residence, (eg. for school or live in an institution), an Attestation of Residence (letter confirming you live at the stated address) will be acceptable. If no ID is available (due to just turning 18, being a new resident to Chestermere, etc.) you can have someone vouch for you. They must know you and where you live and they must be an eligible voter and have not vouched for anyone else. They must then sign a formal document that will be kept on file and recorded on the Elector Register. Please visit chestermere.ca/election for a complete list of acceptable forms of ID.
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