As Chestermere grew, one of the most pressing issues I encountered during my time as mayor was the need for a well-planned, efficient transportation network that could support the city’s growth while improving the quality of life for residents. Our city’s mobility infrastructure plays a critical role in ensuring that residents can move freely within the city and beyond, while reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality, and connecting communities.
Transportation is one of the most essential elements in any city’s development, and I was dedicated to ensuring that Chestermere’s mobility infrastructure kept pace with its rapid growth. Whether it was improving roadways, expanding public transit, or promoting alternative transportation options like cycling and walking, we worked on creating a well-rounded transportation system that met the needs of all residents.
Expanding and Improving Public Transit Options
One of the most important aspects of our transportation strategy was expanding public transit options. Chestermere is located on the outskirts of Calgary, making it vital that our residents have convenient access to the larger urban area for work, education, and other activities. However, as the city grew, relying solely on personal vehicles for commuting became increasingly impractical, especially for those who could not afford to own cars or prefer not to.
I worked closely with Calgary Transit to expand bus routes that connect Chestermere to Calgary and other nearby communities. This included increasing the frequency of buses, adding new routes, and improving the overall efficiency of transit services. For instance, we expanded bus service during peak hours to accommodate the growing number of people commuting to Calgary for work.
Another key initiative was creating express routes that connected Chestermere directly to key destinations in Calgary, such as downtown, major transit hubs, and employment centers. These express buses helped reduce travel time for residents, making public transit a more attractive and viable option for daily commuters. By enhancing public transit services, we were able to offer a sustainable transportation alternative to residents while reducing traffic congestion and lowering the city’s carbon footprint.
Advocating for Sustainable and Green Transportation
As part of our broader sustainability efforts, I worked to integrate green transportation initiatives into Chestermere’s infrastructure. This involved encouraging residents to adopt sustainable modes of transportation, including walking, cycling, and using electric vehicles (EVs). By promoting these eco-friendly options, we could reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the overall health of our community.
We began by developing more pedestrian-friendly infrastructure throughout the city, such as dedicated sidewalks and crosswalks. These improvements made walking safer and more convenient for residents, particularly those in neighborhoods that were growing rapidly.
I also prioritized the development of cycling infrastructure, including more bike lanes, bike racks, and paths that connect key areas of Chestermere. Cycling is an excellent alternative to driving for short trips, and by making it safer and more accessible, we encouraged residents to leave their cars at home and use more sustainable forms of transportation. Additionally, we worked on creating more “bike hubs” in the city, areas where cyclists could safely park their bikes and access nearby shops or transit services.
Electric vehicles (EVs) were another area we targeted for growth. As part of our green transportation efforts, we collaborated with local businesses and service providers to install more EV charging stations throughout Chestermere. These charging stations were placed in high-traffic areas such as shopping centers, municipal buildings, and transit hubs to make it easier for residents who drive EVs to recharge their vehicles.
To further support the transition to EVs, we also explored offering incentives for residents who purchased electric cars, such as reduced registration fees or free parking. By making EVs more accessible, we helped reduce the city’s overall carbon emissions and supported the province’s efforts to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.
Improving Road Networks and Reducing Traffic Congestion
One of the most obvious challenges facing growing cities like Chestermere is traffic congestion. As new developments were built and more people moved into the city, traffic volume increased, especially during peak commute hours. This not only created long travel times but also increased wear and tear on our roads, making it important to plan for congestion reduction.
Under my leadership, we prioritized expanding and upgrading Chestermere’s road network to keep pace with growth. Key projects included widening existing roads, improving intersections, and adding new lanes to heavily trafficked routes. These efforts helped improve traffic flow, reduced bottlenecks, and made it easier for residents to get from one part of the city to another.
We also worked on improving connectivity between neighborhoods and key commercial and residential districts. By enhancing the road networks in these areas, we ensured that people could travel more efficiently and that emergency services, public transit, and freight could move freely through Chestermere.
Additionally, we implemented smart traffic management systems that use sensors and real-time data to adjust traffic signals based on the volume of cars on the road. This technology helped alleviate congestion, particularly during rush hours, by ensuring that traffic flowed more smoothly and efficiently.
Enhancing Active Transportation: Walkability and Accessibility
A truly comprehensive transportation system goes beyond cars and buses. It includes options that allow people to get around without relying on a vehicle at all. During my time as mayor, I was committed to making Chestermere a more walkable and accessible city for residents of all ages and abilities.
Improving walkability began with creating safer, more accessible sidewalks throughout the city. We ensured that streets and intersections were pedestrian-friendly by adding features such as curb cuts for people with disabilities, better lighting, and pedestrian bridges over busy roads. These measures helped residents, including seniors and families with young children, navigate the city more easily on foot.
We also developed more pedestrian-friendly public spaces. By creating safe, attractive walking routes along Chestermere Lake and connecting different parts of the city through green spaces and trails, we encouraged residents to use active transportation, such as walking or cycling, for both recreational and practical purposes. These improvements not only made Chestermere more accessible but also enhanced the overall quality of life for residents.
Planning for the Future: Public Transit Expansion and Transportation Innovation
Looking forward, we recognized that Chestermere’s transportation infrastructure needed to be flexible and adaptable to the changing needs of the community. As the city grows, so will demand for more transportation options, and we needed to stay ahead of the curve.
One of the future initiatives I strongly supported was the potential expansion of light rail transit (LRT) or commuter rail service connecting Chestermere with Calgary. This would help ease congestion, offer a faster alternative for long-distance commuters, and improve air quality. While this idea is still in the planning stages, it represents a long-term vision for sustainable, efficient, and inclusive transportation in Chestermere.
We also explored innovations in autonomous vehicles (AVs), which have the potential to transform the way we think about transportation. AVs could offer on-demand, environmentally friendly transit options that reduce the need for private car ownership. As technology advances, Chestermere is positioned to be at the forefront of these innovations, creating a smarter and more efficient transportation system.
Conclusion: Building a Better, More Connected Chestermere
Transportation is an essential component of any community’s success, and during my time as mayor, I worked hard to ensure that Chestermere had a transportation system that could keep up with the city’s growth while meeting the needs of its residents. From expanding public transit options to promoting green transportation alternatives, from improving roads to making our city more walkable, we focused on creating a well-rounded, sustainable transportation network that was accessible to all.
By improving mobility, we not only reduced congestion and environmental impact but also enhanced the quality of life for Chestermere’s residents, making the city a more attractive and accessible place to live, work, and play. Moving forward, I am confident that the investments we made in Chestermere’s transportation infrastructure will continue to serve the community for years to come, keeping the city connected and accessible for everyone.