Yes, and how it did! Back in 1977 when the Summer Village of Chestermere Lake was incorporated, did those first Councillors, Bill Porter, Wayne Wood and Len Pallesen ever dream that in 2012 the population would be 15,000?
On Monday December 3rd the Town of Chestermere presented the Chestermere Historical Foundation with two plaques from the original town building. The first plaque acknowledges the incorporation of the Summer Village and was placed November 1979, and the second plaque which acknowledges incorporation of Chestermere as a town, dated 1993. These have been until now on the outside of the first municipal building which at the present time houses the RCMP office on East Chestermere Drive. The two brass plaques will be polished up and displayed with the other artifacts and photos in the Chestermere Public Library. Thank you to the Town of Chestermere for these plaques and also to the Chestermere Library for use of display space.
At this same meeting the CHF applied to the Town to have the last week of July of every year declared Historic Chestermere Week. It is hoped that this designation will further interest in the historical aspects of our very unique community, an ‘oasis’ on an irrigation lake, originally a farm community with deep roots, and now a small but bustling urban centre. With Calgary and other local districts celebrating their history during this week which falls just before Heritage Day, it is hoped that Chestermere’s celebrations will be a valuable addition to other nearby historical events.
If you are interested in the history of Chestermere, and would like to participate as a member or volunteer with the Chestermere Historical Foundation, you can contact CHF and find out about meetings and activities on the webpage www.chestermerehistory.org . Check out some of the most recent projects, first the restoration of the first Chestermere fire-truck, and watch for the upcoming the placing of black and white photo murals on Reservoir #10, with the generous help and support of EPCOR .
Pictured at the presentation are Larry Ryder CHF Member, Jen Peddlesden President CHF, Stu Hutchison Coucillor, Marily King Secretary CHF, and Lori Nielsen, CHF Member.
