A vibrant economy is the heart of any community. It provides opportunities for individuals, supports families, and contributes to the overall well-being of the city. Chestermere, with its beautiful lakeside location, close proximity to Calgary, and strong community values, is well-positioned to thrive economically. During my time as mayor, I worked to build an economy that not only created jobs but also promoted long-term prosperity, resilience, and opportunity for all residents.
In this blog post, I’ll share the vision and initiatives I pursued to build a thriving economy in Chestermere. From supporting local businesses and attracting new industries to fostering entrepreneurship and enhancing workforce development, our approach was centered on creating an environment where businesses could succeed, residents could find meaningful employment, and Chestermere could grow sustainably.
Supporting Local Businesses: The Backbone of Our Economy
Local businesses are the lifeblood of Chestermere’s economy. From mom-and-pop shops to larger retail establishments, these businesses contribute to the character of our community while providing essential goods, services, and employment opportunities. As mayor, I made it a priority to support these businesses and create a business-friendly environment that allowed them to grow and succeed.
One of the most impactful initiatives we launched was the Chestermere Business Support Network, a program designed to help local businesses access resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Through this network, business owners could connect with experts, learn about available grants, and share best practices with fellow entrepreneurs. Additionally, we facilitated workshops on topics like digital marketing, financial management, and e-commerce, helping local businesses adapt to new technologies and changing consumer habits.
We also worked on streamlining business permits, licenses, and zoning regulations to make it easier for businesses to start, expand, and operate in Chestermere. By reducing red tape and simplifying administrative processes, we made it more convenient for entrepreneurs to navigate the regulatory landscape and focus on growing their businesses.
Through partnerships with local chambers of commerce and economic development agencies, we promoted Shop Local initiatives that encouraged residents to support Chestermere-based businesses. These initiatives not only boosted local commerce but also helped foster a sense of community pride and ownership, as residents were encouraged to contribute directly to the economic growth of their city.
Attracting New Industries and Diversifying the Economy
While supporting local businesses is crucial, Chestermere’s long-term economic health also depends on attracting new industries and diversifying the economy. During my time as mayor, I worked with economic development organizations and regional partners to position Chestermere as an attractive place for new businesses to invest.
We focused on targeting industries that aligned with Chestermere’s values and location, such as technology, clean energy, and tourism. Chestermere’s proximity to Calgary, combined with its high quality of life and affordable real estate, made it an ideal location for businesses looking to expand or relocate.
We actively pursued partnerships with regional economic development agencies to market Chestermere as a prime location for companies in sectors like green technology, sustainable construction, and digital innovation. By attracting businesses in these growing industries, we not only provided new employment opportunities for residents but also ensured that Chestermere’s economy was resilient to market shifts and global economic trends.
In addition, we supported the development of an innovation hub that brought together entrepreneurs, researchers, and startups focused on technology and sustainable development. This hub served as a collaborative space where businesses could innovate, share ideas, and access resources that helped them scale and succeed.
Fostering Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Entrepreneurship is key to a thriving economy. Entrepreneurs are the driving force behind new ideas, products, and services that can transform an economy. Chestermere has a rich history of entrepreneurial spirit, and I was committed to fostering an environment that encouraged individuals to start their own businesses and pursue innovative ventures.
We worked to create spaces where entrepreneurs could collaborate, learn, and access the tools they needed to turn their ideas into reality. The establishment of Chestermere’s Business Incubator Program provided support for early-stage startups, offering mentorship, office space, and access to a network of investors and business leaders. This program helped entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of launching a business, from securing funding to developing a business plan, and provided them with the support they needed to scale their ideas.
To further support innovation, we organized entrepreneurial workshops, pitch competitions, and networking events. These initiatives connected aspiring business owners with experienced mentors, investors, and successful entrepreneurs who could provide valuable guidance and feedback. By fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, we ensured that Chestermere remained a city where new ideas could flourish.
We also worked to build partnerships with local educational institutions to create entrepreneurship programs that would equip students and young adults with the skills and knowledge they needed to succeed in today’s fast-paced business environment. These programs helped prepare the next generation of business leaders and provided them with the tools to start and grow successful businesses in Chestermere.
Workforce Development and Skill Building
For Chestermere’s economy to thrive, we needed a workforce that was equipped with the skills and training needed to meet the demands of today’s job market. I focused on building strong partnerships with educational institutions, businesses, and training organizations to provide opportunities for skill development, education, and career advancement.
We worked to create pathways to career success for residents, especially young people, by connecting them with internships, apprenticeships, and vocational training programs. This allowed individuals to gain hands-on experience and develop the skills required for high-demand jobs in industries like construction, healthcare, technology, and skilled trades.
Additionally, we promoted lifelong learning and professional development opportunities for all residents, ensuring that our workforce remained adaptable and competitive. Whether it was through adult education programs, online courses, or training seminars, we encouraged residents to continuously improve their skills and advance their careers.
We also collaborated with local businesses to understand their workforce needs and ensure that Chestermere’s residents were equipped with the right skills for available jobs. By aligning education and training programs with the needs of employers, we were able to bridge the gap between job seekers and businesses looking for talent.
Tourism and Recreation as Economic Drivers
Chestermere’s picturesque lakeside setting and proximity to Calgary make it an ideal destination for tourism. I worked to develop Chestermere as a destination for tourism and recreation, which could generate significant economic benefits for the city. Whether it was attracting visitors to the lake for boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities, or hosting festivals, events, and concerts, tourism provided an important source of revenue for local businesses and supported job creation in hospitality, entertainment, and service industries.
By marketing Chestermere as a unique and family-friendly destination, we helped to attract visitors from across Alberta and beyond. Events such as Chestermere’s annual Summerfest, outdoor concerts, and local food festivals brought in tourists, boosting foot traffic to local shops, restaurants, and services. These efforts also supported the growth of Chestermere’s hospitality industry, creating jobs in hotels, restaurants, and event venues.
Furthermore, we worked to develop recreational facilities that would not only improve the quality of life for residents but also attract tourists and visitors. Expanding parks, sports facilities, and lakeside amenities made Chestermere an even more attractive destination for both locals and visitors alike.
Conclusion: A Strong, Diversified, and Thriving Economy
Building a strong economy for Chestermere was a central part of my vision as mayor. From supporting local businesses and fostering entrepreneurship to diversifying the economy and investing in workforce development, our efforts were designed to create a sustainable economic future for the city. By attracting new industries, creating job opportunities, and empowering residents to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, we helped set the foundation for a prosperous future.
A thriving economy is one that creates opportunities for everyone—business owners, workers, and families. With continued commitment to innovation, collaboration, and long-term planning, Chestermere is well-positioned to continue growing and thriving in the years to come.