Table of contents

Overview

Alberta’s government ordered a municipal inspection of the City of Chestermere in 2022 following complaints from Chestermere citizens and city employees.

A municipal inspection is an investigation that may look at any issues or concerns within the municipality to ensure council and administration are acting appropriately and in accordance with provincial legislation.

The Minister of Municipal Affairs reviewed the inspection report and issued 12 binding directives requiring the City of Chestermere to take action.

Inspection report

Municipal governance expert, George Cuff, conducted a formal, third-party inspection of the City of Chestermere's management, administration and operations from May to September, 2022.

The Chestermere Municipal Inspection Report was submitted to the Minister of Municipal Affairs in September 2022.

Government shared the completed report in Chestermere with residents at a public information session on March 15, 2023.

Minister’s directives

The Minister of Municipal Affairs reviewed the municipal inspection report as well as comments from council members and senior administration. 

The minister considers that the City of Chestermere is managed in an irregular, improper and improvident manner and has issued 12 binding directives through a Ministerial Order requiring the City of Chestermere to take action.

Next steps

The city must report to the Minister of Municipal Affairs on its actions to address the directives within set timelines.

Government will monitor the city’s progress and can provide support such as advice, training and potential grants to resolve intra-council disputes if requested.

If these directives are not carried out to the satisfaction of the minister, further orders may be issued, potentially including removal of one or more councillors and/or a chief administrative officer.

Information session

Government held a public information session in Chestermere with residents on March 15.

How we got here

  • January 7, 2022

    The Minister of Municipal Affairs began receiving complaints related to the administration and governance of the City of Chestermere.

  • March 10, 2022

    The Minister of Municipal Affairs ordered a preliminary review to investigate complaints.

  • May 9, 2022

    The Minister of Municipal Affairs concluded that sufficient potential concerns existed to justify an in-depth inspection.

    Municipal governance expert, George Cuff, was appointed inspector and asked to conduct a formal, third-party inspection of the City of Chestermere's management, administration and operations.

    The inspection looked into issues relating to:

    • members of council acting alone and outside of a council resolution
    • the complaints process for code of conduct infractions
    • members of council performing administrative functions and duties
    • improper council meeting procedures and conduct
    • sale of municipal property not in accordance with the Municipal Government Act
  • November 2, 2022

    Confidential copies of the completed inspector's report and a list of potential actions that the Minister of Municipal Affairs may direct was delivered to each member of the city council.

    The city council provided comments on the inspection report, sharing their input with Alberta's government. 

  • March 15, 2023

    Government held a public information session to present the municipal inspection report to residents of Chestermere.

    The Minister of Municipal Affairs issued 12 binding directives through a Ministerial Order requiring the City of Chestermere to take action.

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