This week’s questions are:
1. Can we expropriate the CRCA lands from Rockyview?
2. With the proposed development in Chestermere, how do we ensure our small town feel is not lost?
3. How do we improve our downtown and what about a Mainstreet along Chst Blvd?
4. Something needs to be done about the beach parking, why not use the rec center?
5. Why doesn’t the City remove the weeds and foxtail from the dog park and all areas north of John Peak park?
If you have questions please email them to jcouturier@chestermere.ca.
1. Can we expropriate the CRCA lands from Rockyview?
I was reading the recent article about Rocky View pulling out of negotiations on the Rec Center land. It mentioned that terms were initially reached and then Rocky View chose to back out of the agreement during some of the due diligence. I find it so exhausting that Rocky View holds us hostage over this land. Rather than finding a new Rec Center location, would the City of Chestermere consider expropriation of the Rec Center lands? I realize it could damage the future relationship with Rocky View but really hasn’t this point already been reached? Expropriation would take extra time obviously and delay everything currently planned but honestly isn’t it the cleanest and best approach? Where has all the money gone for recreation?
– Chestermere residents, families and kids have been left without recreation facilities for far too many years. For some reason we have not had any significant funds or focus paid towards recreation by the City Councils for over thirty years. Which has resulted in our City having almost no recreation facilities, as compared to many similar size cities and towns, such as, Okotoks, Strathmore Cochrane. Where has all the money for this gone?
You are correct in that we had a deal and terms agreed to in principle with Rocky View.
It is frustrating, as we were planning a twin hockey arena, field house, seniors centre and pool in phase 1 along with outdoor tennis, pickleball, volleyball and basketball courts, a splash park and skatepark at the same time. Phase 2 would bring indoor basketball and volleyball. The preliminary concepts were shown to CRCA. This is clearly most important for seniors, families and kids. Which is now on hold due to Rocky View putting the deal on hold.
This purchase, is something that I feel should unify all of the City and Rocky View residents to get behind and voice their support for completing this purchase and development of the recreation amenities while the city is trying to restart discussions with Rocky View.
It is too important to us all, Chestermere and Rocky View residents, to let this facility stay at the state it is. Kids and families deserve more. More rinks and all the other sports amenities. For 35 years this situation has been at this stalemate and we are so very close to resolving it for everyone.
We just need to work together, all of us, for the benefit of our current and future families in both communities.
2. With the proposed development in Clearwater and the pace that Dawson and Chelsea are growing at. How do we ensure our small town feel is not lost?
Ensuring the inclusion of larger parks, pet friendly areas, and nature reserves are created with development is of importance. Land is much cheaper for this purpose before development occurs. The City can look into grants and other methods for some funding alternatives but making this a requirement of development is key.
3. Our current downtown was planned poorly. How do we improve it and given its always going to be a central area relative to the lake, its not just doing a new Town Centre somewhere else. What about a Mainstreet along Chestermere Blvd?
The City is working with Melcor and other land and building owners to look at revitalization ideas. I will add the original plan for downtown on Monday, which is quite different. One main challenge was lack of density in the core and current design is for more destination style of drive to your store and then leave. This is challenging for other businesses which are not anchor tenants or destination shops, as opposed to more walkable or park and shop designs.
A Mainstreet would be an interesting idea. I do not believe it could go the entire distance of Chestermere Blvd or in front of houses. Particularly interesting would be if it were planned in conjunction with the downtown revitalization and the sports parks planning at CRCA. There are numerous examples of incredible small town Mainstreets, possibly like Banff, 4 lanes. It would be important to have angle parking for the shops to survive.
Maybe it could work from lights to lights from West Chestermere Drive to Marina Blvd along Chestermere Blvd. This would take some planning, as mentioned. It is an interesting idea though.
4. Something needs to be done at anniversary Beach for parking. Why is the rec center charging? Why is everything so poorly planned?
I appreciate your frustration about the parking situation at the beach. Chestermere has been a work in progress for many years and for some reason growth was not planned for.
All of our water access points for public have very little parking options. We are going to need to be creative to adjust for this and residents in these areas may be affected. Proper planning needs to take precedence as we have significant growth coming and this will increase these challenges if not dealt with quickly.
I do believe this parking issue needs a larger, thought-out solution. First, some short term ideas:
- Angle parking along the west side of West Chestermere Drive onto some of the grass area might be an option. I understand this is also being allowed in parts of Sylvan Lake, for example.
- Stopping parking in front of residences is a possibility.
- Looking into a short term parking on the first grass lot beside the beach parking lot.
Second, the City does not control the Rec Center parking lot, and currently we are only allowed 70 paid stalls at the rec center. This is determined by the Rec Center.
5. Why doesn’t the city remove all the weeds and foxtail and cleanup all the land along the dog park and north of John Peak park and make it a nicer water front area for all residents?
The City is looking into removing all the weeds and foxtail from the dog park area and lands north of John Peake Park and turning it into a nicer space similar to Bowness park with trees and beautiful grass. We are working out a plan with Alberta Environment as there are rules and steps we must follow.
I will speak with Community Operations and see if they can cut the grass/weeds/foxtail in the meantime.
If you have a question that you would like answered, please send to Janet as she is assisting me on organizing all of your questions. Janet can be reached at jcouturier@chestermere.ca
