Economic growth is a cornerstone of any successful community. As mayor of Chestermere, I understood that while growth is essential, it must be managed thoughtfully to ensure that it benefits everyone. One of the key strategies during my time in office was to foster a diverse and resilient local economy—one that was capable of weathering challenges while creating opportunities for all residents.
Chestermere, a city known for its beautiful lake, suburban charm, and proximity to Calgary, has always had significant potential as a growing urban hub. However, a strong economy isn’t built solely on real estate development or retail businesses; it’s about fostering a variety of industries, supporting small businesses, and encouraging innovation. My approach to economic development centered on the idea that prosperity must be sustainable and inclusive.
Diversifying the Local Economy
One of the first priorities I set when I became mayor was to focus on diversifying Chestermere’s economy. While real estate development and retail had long been strong sectors, it was important to expand into other areas to ensure long-term stability. By attracting a wide range of industries—tech, manufacturing, agriculture, and green energy—Chestermere could build a more resilient economy that wasn’t too reliant on any one sector.
Chestermere’s proximity to Calgary made it an ideal location for businesses looking to access the city’s commercial opportunities while offering a more affordable, less congested alternative. I worked hard to attract businesses to set up shop in Chestermere by highlighting our city’s strategic location, high quality of life, and supportive environment for entrepreneurs.
We also worked with local developers to build commercial spaces that could accommodate a range of business types, from office spaces for tech startups to industrial parks for manufacturing companies. This expansion of commercial infrastructure helped provide more job opportunities for residents, reduce commuting time to Calgary, and bring in tax revenue that would be reinvested into city services.
Supporting Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs
Small businesses are the backbone of any thriving economy, and Chestermere was no exception. I believed that supporting our local entrepreneurs was vital for fostering a thriving economic ecosystem. Small businesses create jobs, drive innovation, and give the community character and vibrancy.
To support small businesses, I worked to streamline the process for opening a business in Chestermere. We focused on simplifying permits and licensing, reducing red tape, and ensuring that local entrepreneurs had access to the resources they needed to succeed. Chestermere’s local chamber of commerce played an integral role in connecting business owners with city resources, training opportunities, and networking events.
In addition to supporting startups and new businesses, I encouraged existing businesses to expand by offering incentives like tax relief and grants for innovation. I also worked to ensure that Chestermere was a business-friendly city by maintaining competitive property taxes and offering promotional support for local businesses, especially those in the hospitality, retail, and service industries.
During my tenure, Chestermere saw an increase in the number of locally owned businesses, from boutique shops to cafes and service providers. These small businesses not only contributed to the city’s economy but also gave it a unique identity. Supporting local entrepreneurs also had the added benefit of building community resilience—when we buy local, we support each other and keep our dollars within the community.
Emphasizing Innovation and Technology
While traditional industries such as retail and construction are important, one of my key goals was to position Chestermere as a hub for innovation. The world is increasingly driven by technology and innovation, and I wanted Chestermere to be part of this exciting transformation.
We actively worked to attract tech companies and startups to the city. Chestermere’s proximity to Calgary meant that we were ideally located for tech entrepreneurs looking for affordable space with access to a large talent pool. I helped facilitate connections between local universities and tech companies, encouraging collaborations that could bring new jobs and economic opportunities to Chestermere.
To support innovation, we also invested in local tech training programs. Working with local schools, colleges, and businesses, we helped create skill development programs to ensure that Chestermere residents were equipped for the jobs of the future. By focusing on education and skills training in high-demand fields like technology, engineering, and digital marketing, we gave residents the tools they needed to succeed in the rapidly changing job market.
In addition to technology, I worked to bring green technologies and renewable energy projects to Chestermere. Sustainable energy is not just good for the environment—it also represents a growing economic opportunity. I worked with industry leaders to promote green building practices, energy-efficient systems, and solar energy installations, positioning Chestermere as a leader in sustainable development.
Investing in Infrastructure to Support Growth
A city’s infrastructure plays a critical role in supporting economic growth. During my time as mayor, I was committed to ensuring that Chestermere’s infrastructure could accommodate our growing population and evolving economy. From improving transportation networks to upgrading utility systems, investing in infrastructure was essential to creating a city that could support both residential and business growth.
I worked on expanding and upgrading Chestermere’s transportation network, including roadways, cycling paths, and public transit options, to ensure better connectivity within the city and with nearby Calgary. Improved transit options, especially in growing residential neighborhoods, helped reduce congestion and allowed for more efficient movement of goods and people.
We also invested in utility infrastructure, ensuring that businesses and residents had access to reliable water, electricity, and internet services. With businesses now increasingly relying on high-speed internet to operate, ensuring robust connectivity was a key part of my economic strategy. We worked to bring high-speed broadband access to every corner of Chestermere, opening the door for remote workers, tech entrepreneurs, and businesses that rely on fast internet to succeed.
Fostering Partnerships with Regional and Provincial Governments
Economic growth is rarely a solo effort—it often requires strong partnerships and collaboration across levels of government. During my time as mayor, I worked to strengthen Chestermere’s relationships with provincial and regional government bodies. This was especially important when it came to securing funding for infrastructure projects and business development initiatives.
We worked with the provincial government to secure funding for major road expansion projects, which helped improve traffic flow and supported the growing commercial sector. At the regional level, I was active in conversations with neighboring municipalities and regional organizations to ensure that Chestermere’s economic development was aligned with broader regional planning efforts.
I also advocated for Chestermere’s needs at the provincial level, ensuring that we had the resources and support we needed to foster economic growth, whether that meant securing funding for a new industrial park or promoting the city’s potential to new businesses.
Attracting Tourism and Recreation
While I worked hard to build a diversified local economy, I also recognized that Chestermere had untapped potential in the tourism and recreation sectors. The city’s beautiful lake, parks, and natural spaces made it an attractive destination for tourists, and I wanted to ensure that we capitalized on this potential.
We worked to expand recreational and tourism facilities, including enhancing our waterfront area and promoting Chestermere as a destination for outdoor activities. By developing more recreational amenities and hosting events like festivals and sports tournaments, we attracted visitors from surrounding areas, which helped support local businesses and tourism-related industries.
Tourism not only brought in additional revenue but also showcased Chestermere as a vibrant, growing community. We worked closely with tourism boards and local organizations to market the city and its attractions, ensuring that Chestermere became a recognized name for those seeking natural beauty and outdoor adventure.
Conclusion: A Future of Economic Prosperity
Looking back on my time as mayor, I’m proud of the strides we made toward diversifying Chestermere’s economy and laying the foundation for long-term prosperity. We were able to attract new businesses, support local entrepreneurs, and build infrastructure that would sustain the city’s growth for years to come.
A strong, diversified economy is essential for the well-being of a community, and it was my goal to ensure that Chestermere was not just growing but thriving in a sustainable way. By focusing on innovation, supporting small businesses, and investing in infrastructure, we built a city that was ready to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future.
Chestermere’s economic success is a testament to the hard work and collaboration of residents, businesses, and local government. I’m confident that the strategies we implemented will continue to guide the city’s prosperity in the years ahead, making Chestermere a place where businesses can flourish and residents can enjoy a high quality of life.