Despite the blast of snow and cold that hit the city Feb. 3, Chestermere’s city council held their second Coffee with Council at Tim Hortons.
“Today of course, with the weather it’s pretty tough,” said Mayor Marshall Chalmers.
“There’s not as many people as we would hope would come out,” he said, “It’s understandable with the weather.”
Despite the low turnout, Chalmers feels the meet and greet events are succeeding in letting residents come out and get to know their city council.
“That’s exactly what it’s for and that’s exactly what’s happening,” he said.
So far with two Coffee with Council events over, Chalmers said there hasn’t been a theme to the conversations or issues brought up by residents.
“It’s just a relaxed atmosphere to have an opportunity for them to chat about whatever’s on their mind,” he said.
Chalmers was happy to see that even with the blizzard like conditions all of council, except for Councillor Mel Foat who was on vacation, made it out for coffee.
“I’m really encouraged that all the council members have taken the time to come out and meet the people,” he said.
Fourteen-year Chestermere resident Ken Ross came out to chat and express his support for the new city council.
“I think they’re doing a marvelous job,” he said.
So far he said he is really happy with the direction the new council has set.
“I actually estimated it’d be two or three years before we seen a difference and I think we’re seeing a difference now,” said Ross.
The next coffee with council is on March 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Chestermere Starbucks.
Coffee with council is a new initiative giving residents the opportunity to meet informally with their City Council to discuss city projects, concerns and ideas.
The first Coffee with Council was held at the Waiting Room Café in January.
