With the ringing in of a New Year, it is a time to reflect on the year that has just ended and to look forward to all the exciting possibilities that are to come. There will be an added sense of excitement as 2015 begins as it will also be remembered as one of Chestermere’s most historic moments as it becomes Alberta’s newest city effective the January 1, 2015.
The announcement came down from the Minister of Municipal Affairs Diana McQueen on December 19, 2014 and will make Chestermere the 14th largest city in Alberta and the only one that began as a summer village.
Becoming a city is essentially an administrative title change, some materials (like signage and documents) which will be changed over the next several months. There are no changes to the responsibilities, debts, agreements, costs to citizens or services that a municipality provides. It was also stated that any increase in taxes in the future will not be at the hand of making this change from town to city.
The largest benefit is that when a community takes the title of a ‘city’, it portrays a viable and developed community. This is particularly attractive to companies and investors who may look at bringing their businesses to Chestermere. “City status has already impressed investors and made them more aware of our great community and we look forward to building on that further in 2015” said Jean-Marc Lacasse, Chestermere’s Enterprise Facilitator.
The process of becoming a city really could have happened years ago as Chestermere has been eligible to become a city since it reached more than 10,000 residents in 2007. In the summer of 2014, Council asked residents what they thought of adopting the city title. There were many opportunities for residents to comment in person or online and overall the comments were positive or neutral, according to information provided from the Town (now City) of Chestermere. Following consideration of the public consultation, Chestermere’s Council decided to apply for city status from the provincial government on September 29, 2014. The Minister of Municipal Affairs reviewed the application and an Order in Council approving the request was made on December 18, 2014 and with that, Chestermere is now a city.
Upon learning of the decision, Mayor Patricia Matthews responded “We’re very excited about the opportunities that City status will being us; more business attraction, a stronger voice with the Province. Chestermere is such a fantastic place to live and this will help us bring even more amenities and services while lessening the residential tax burden.”
The newest member to Chestermere’s council, Jennifer Massig, said, “We are truly excited to get started on being the little city that could! I know we’ll never lose that small-community feel that makes Chestermere so great and this is an important step in creating an autonomy that will allow us to continue to be and grow as the unique community that we currently are”.
Deputy Mayor Christopher Steeves commented, “January 1st we will become a city, on January 24th we will celebrate with our residents at Winterfest. And we will use our increased recognition, regionally and provincially to attract more businesses to Chestermere. Though this is administrative change, it is an important one for Chestermere, as we will continue to work on diversifying our tax base.” Steeves went on to say, “As exciting as 2014 was for us as a community, 2015 will be that and so much more!”
A statement posted on the Town of Chestermere website states “Chestermere officials believe that becoming Alberta’s 18th city is a natural step forward for the community and will ensure Chestermere can retain its signature lakeside character while gaining more recognition in the province and attracting new businesses. With no business tax, excellent transportation access, and a market excited for more shopping and services, Chestermere is eager to welcome new businesses to share in the community’s success.”
There will be an official celebration on January 24th at the community’s annual Winterfest celebration. More details about the celebration will be provided in January.
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Chestermere to become Canada’s Newest City January 1
December 19, 2014– For immediate release
Earlier today, the Honourable Minister of Municipal Affairs Diana McQueen announced that Chestermere would become Canada’s newest city as of January 1, 2015.
“Today’s historic announcement is monumental for our community,” said Mayor Patricia Matthews. “It provides us with opportunities to attract investors to offset our residential tax base and gain more recognition provincially for our community.”Obtaining city status is a historic milestone for the community. Once the title is official, Chestermere will be the 14th largest city in the province and the only one that began as a summer village.
Already the fastest growing community in Alberta, Chestermere’s rapid evolution from cottage escape to thriving city is a testament to the popularity of its lakeside lifestyle, safe and friendly neighbourhoods, premier location, unique identity, and the entrepreneurial spirit of municipalities.
Chestermere officials believe that becoming Alberta’s 18th city is a natural step forward for the community and will ensure Chestermere can retain its signature lakeside character while gaining more recognition in the province and attracting new businesses.
With no business tax, excellent transportation access, and a market excited for more shopping and services, Chestermere is eager to welcome new businesses to share in the community’s success.“City status has already impressed investors and made them more aware of our great community and we look forward to building on that further in 2015” said Jean-Marc Lacasse, Chestermere’s Enterprise Facilitator.
The celebration for the achievement of city status will be held at the community’s annual Winterfest celebration on January 24th, 2015. More details about the celebration will be posted at www.chestermere.ca/future in the New Year.
