Mayor’s Message June

As Council, we tend to talk about the visionary, big picture when we refer to building our community. For this article though I want to talk about the individuals who make an impact and sometimes are unnoticed as they do it.
As I sat at the CMHA awards evening last month, I pondered how far that club has come over the decades. I thought about the effort put forward by their board, coaches, assistant coaches, team managers and parents. They don’t complain by the sidelines; they get involved and often for very little thanks, appreciation or recognition by the greater community. While they do this to benefit hockey, that effort contributes to us all as a well-rounded, active community.
I also admire those individuals who initiated service clubs in Chestermere. In some cases it began with a small conversation about whether there would be any interest in it and ended up with great clubs, providing great services, at events that are open to everyone in our community. People join these organizations because they support a certain cause but those clubs help attract future residents and businesses to our community, which benefits us all.
When we have residents who step up in seemingly small ways, like the group that picks up garbage in our parks or weeds at our beaches, who talk about Chestermere’s business opportunities or who post stunning pictures from their neighbourhoods on social media, that makes us better.
When we have community members who defend our small businesses, promote a “shop local” mentality, make positive, proud comments in newspapers, on the radio or TV by residents with no agenda other than their love of our City, or when we have upbeat, awesome ambassadors who represent us at events in other communities, it helps weave together the fabric of who we are as a unique, special place to call home.
All of these positive contributions make a massive impact on the way others view our community and paint a picture of Chestermere as the wonderful community it is. They define us, not only here but on a much larger scale to the rest of the world.
So while Council often talks about the high level aspects of life at the City of Chestermere, I thought it was important to let you know that we very much appreciate and acknowledge the big efforts made on a smaller scale by Chestermere’s dedicated individuals.