
Chestermere Lake has a rich history of boating that has been cherished by its residents for decades. From paddle boats to houseboats, these vessels have created lasting memories and stories that reflect the vibrant community spirit.
The Slaters’ Boats
Gordon and Joan Slater, who resided at 189 East Chestermere Drive, owned a fleet of boats that included a paddle boat, a 16′ tri-hull boat for water skiing, and a 24′ houseboat known as the Cruiser. The paddle boat provided many hours of relaxation, allowing the Slaters and their grandchildren to enjoy leisurely paddles along the shoreline. One memorable event was when Joan Slater, on a dare from neighbours Orley and Mildred Brinker, became the first person to paddle across the lake after the ice had melted in April.
The Cruiser, their houseboat, became a symbol of community and celebration. Originally owned by Norman Olafson of Calgary, it was offered a safe dock at the Slaters’ private dock after being vandalized at the public beach. The Cruiser hosted numerous birthday parties, community parades, and celebrations. In 1980, it was decorated to commemorate Alberta’s 75th anniversary, winning the Best Overall Float in the lake’s first water parade. The boat was also instrumental in Sue Wakeford’s successful campaign for Councillor of the Summer Village of Chestermere Lake in 1986, adorned with flowers spelling “Wakeford.”
The Alpha
Roy Roberts, his wife Mabel, and three children, Bill, Eva, and Jack, moved to Calgary in 1941. They were seeking a place for sailing lessons. When told that the local school would not allow girls into the sailing program, they were advised by the principal of Colonel McLeod School, Walter Webb, to go to Chestermere Lake and join the Calgary Yacht Club. So they did! Roy became the secretary. They built a small boat house south of the then CYC clubhouse, which served, in the summer as a cabin and in the winter as boat storage. The photo to the right is of Roy Roberts sailing ‘The Alpha’, on Chestermere in 1950. It was built by AW (Pappy) Lea for Walter Webb. Roy often sailed it and eventually bought it from Walter. This tinted black and white photo was taken by well known Calgary photographer, and Chestermere cabin owner, WR (Rolly) Stillings in 1950.
The original little cabin was replaced, and the family still own a house on lakeside property. You can see a photo of Eva at the cabin, on the wall of the fees building at John Peake Park. The mast from ‘The Alpha’ is now the flagpole. You can see it when you sail by 141 East Chestermere Drive. The letters from the ALPHA and a painting on the rudder, commissioned by Bill and Pat Roberts’s son, Darren, shows the Alpha sailing in front of the Roberts and Paasche cabins on the east shore. This along with the letters ALPHA grace the outside of the house.
The Queen Mary
Willis and Bette Graham brought the Queen Mary to Chestermere Lake from the Shuswap area in British Columbia in 1973. The boat, named the Queen Mary, became a centerpiece of social activities for “The Lakers,” a group of six couples who enjoyed traveling around the lake. Despite challenges such as mechanical issues and weed problems in the lake, the Queen Mary remained a beloved vessel. A tribute poem was even written for the boat and its skipper, celebrating their adventures and camaraderie.
HERE’S TO THE “MARY” ALL BLUE AND YELLOW
AND TO THE SKIPPER A MIGHTY FINE FELLOW.
WE THINK OF HOW HIS BLOOD MUST BOIL,
WHEN HE PUTS IN ALL HIS HOURS OF TOIL.
TO KEEP THE “MARY” UP ON TOP
AND MAKE HIS FRIENDS A HAPPY LOT.
HE’S HAD HIS PROBLEMS WITH THE GREY MARINE.
IT’S A BLOODY GOOD THING WE CAN FIX THE MACHINE
THE HORN IT SEEMS NEEDS AN ELECTRICIAN
AND NOT LONG AGO A NEW TRANSMISSION
IN THE DARK OF THE NITE AND MOVING TOO,
SHE’S CRUISING THE LAKE WITH HER DRUNKEN CREW.
SHE’S BEEN KNOWN TO CARRY “26 PLUS 5”
AND TO BRING THEM HOME MORE DRUNK THAN ALIVE.
FOR THE MEN IT IS EASY TO HANG ON HER SIDE
BUT “BETTY” WE KNOW HAS DONE IT INSIDE.
THE “MARY” TAKES OFF FROM “OLD WHISKEY GAP”,
SOMETIMES WE WONDER IF SHE’LL EVER GET BACK
“BEER POINT” IS ONE OF HER REGULAR STOPS.
IT’S A WONDER IT HASN’T BEEN RAIDED BY COPS
NOW UP TO THE BRIDGE AND THE OLD MAN “BOONS”
AND DOWN IN THE SOUTH “SWAMPY HOLLOW” LOOMS
THEN UP TO THE “REESON’S” IN THE DEAD OF NITE.
AND HOME AGAIN WHEN IT’S DAMN NEAR LITE
SO HERE FOR “WILLIS” WITH MANY THANKS,
A LITTLE SOMETHING TO FILL HER TANKS.