Chestermere Council Meeting Erupts into Chaos, RCMP Called

Chestermere City Council’s routine meeting erupted into chaos on Tuesday June 11th, drawing intervention from the RCMP after a former mayor’s campaign staffer caused a disturbance. The incident underscores the heated atmosphere surrounding the upcoming municipal elections and raises concerns about the tone of civic discourse.
Former Mayor Jeff Colvin was present at the meeting where the controversy unfolded. The proceedings took a dramatic turn when Craig Chandler, a key figure in Colvin’s campaign, loudly interrupted a lawyer’s presentation regarding ongoing legal actions against the city’s previous administration.
The legal counsel had been detailing the city’s efforts to recover funds allegedly misappropriated during Colvin’s tenure as mayor. Chandler, taking umbrage at the presentation, accused the city of engaging in “clear election interference,” alleging that the timing and content of the legal report were strategically planned to influence the upcoming election.
His interruption was met with immediate backlash from those in attendance. The council chambers, usually the site of routine municipal governance, quickly became a stage for a heated exchange. Chandler and some residents engaged in a vigorous back-and-forth, which escalated tensions significantly.
“I’ll be filing a complaint today, and you’ll be hearing from my lawyer,” Chandler declared in the midst of the uproar. He then turned his threats towards the city’s lawyer, stating, “I’ll wait for you after, since you’re legal counsel,” which prompted further disturbances.
In response to the escalating situation, the meeting’s administrator, Doug Lagore, instructed a staff member to contact the RCMP. His decision was rooted in a firm stance against threats directed at legal counsel within the council chambers. “We will not have legal counsel threatened by members of the public in this building,” Lagore asserted, emphasizing the seriousness with which the city viewed the disruption.
Despite being directed to leave, Chandler remained defiant, lingering in the city hall lobby, continuing to express his grievances. Meanwhile, Jeff Colvin, witnessing the unfolding events, responded to Lagore’s statements with laughter. This reaction prompted a stern warning from Lagore, underscoring the council’s commitment to maintaining order. “You can laugh if you want; the same would apply to you if you try it,” he cautioned.
The meeting concluded shortly after, with Chandler being escorted out of the building by RCMP officers. He did not return, and the council proceeded to address the remainder of their agenda, albeit under a cloud of the earlier confrontation.
This incident has sparked a broader discussion within Chestermere about the conduct expected of public figures and their associates, especially during the emotionally charged election season. It also raises questions about the boundaries of acceptable discourse in political and legal contexts, highlighting the challenges that come with navigating accusations and legal proceedings in public settings.
As the city continues to grapple with these issues, the community remains alert to the implications such disruptions may have on the integrity of local governance and the democratic process. The events at the council meeting serve as a stark reminder of the passions and pressures that can surface in the political arena, especially when the stakes involve legal and ethical considerations.