REPORT ON CREATING AN AMAZING CHESTERME PREPARED BY: EYE ON CULTURE JUNE 25, 2018
OVERVIEW In December 2017, Chestermere City Council and Senior Administration met to develop the 2018-2022 Strategic Plan. One of the high priority strategies within this plan is to develop an ‘Amazing Chestermere’ initiative to encourage collaboration, connectedness and creativity.
To kick-off this process, the Mayor and Council hosted a community roundtable to explore ideas about how to develop an even more ‘amazing Chestermere’ and gather input from residents, groups and businesses.
The Mayor and members of Council met with residents, associations, groups and businesses on June 25, 2018. Community groups, businesses and residents were invited to participate in the session through direct invitations, Eventbrite, web and social media promotion and in The Anchor. Over 45 people participated in the session.
WHAT DID WE ASK?
The session was broken down into the following activities.
Benefits, one idea: What would make Arts & Culture / What can we do to What does amazing How do we keep the Chestermere even Recreation / make this idea mean? momentum going? more amazing? Entertainment Centre/ successful? Museum / Library
Verbatim comments for each activity can be found in the Appendix, page 4.
Activity 1 – At the start of the session, participants were asked what ‘amazing’ means to them and spent some time brainstorming their ideas.
Activity 2A – Participants were asked, ‘what would make Chestermere even more amazing?’ Each participant took 2-3 minutes to brainstorm this question and write down their ideas on sticky notes. They then shared their ideas with the other participants at the table. Participants generated over 200 ideas during this activity.
Activity 2B – From the ideas that were shared, each table was asked to choose one idea they were either most excited about or generated the most conversation. Each table reported back their one idea to all participants. The ideas that came from each table were:
Utilize grassy area beneath power lines – perennial forest Community associations in each community Arts & cultural centre with a museum and library
1 Marketing to attract investment to Chestermere to help achieve other ideas Live, work, play – strengthen what we have and our amenities (e.g., lake, pathways, festival) A place to get together – aquatics, entertainment, city within a city The lake – dredging to create higher appeal
Activity 2C – Each participant was given one sticky dot to vote on the idea they were most excited about. After the vote, the participants decided to combine two ideas “arts & cultural centre with a museum and library” and “a place to get together – aquatics, entertainment, city within a city.” This combined idea had the most votes and was used as the one idea for the activities that followed.
Activity 3 – Participants were asked to discuss the importance/impact of having an “arts & culture/recreation/entertainment centre/ museum/ library” in the community.
Activity 4 – Participants were asked to brainstorm the following question, “what can City Council, Administration, residents, businesses, community organizations and you do to make this idea successful?” They were then asked to build upon their answers using the following questions, “what else can be done to make this idea a success? How are we going to do it?”
Activity 5 – Participants were asked to brainstorm ideas to one final question, “how do we keep the momentum going on this idea?”
WHAT DID WE HEAR? Participants were asked to focus on the idea of having an “arts & culture/recreation/entertainment centre/ museum/library” facility in the community.
The top themes from the discussion about the importance and impacts of having this facility were that it would contribute in the following ways:
Health of the community and promoting a recreational lifestyle Connecting community generations, residents, businesses and groups Providing event/meeting space for community groups, residents and potentially people outside the city Economic opportunities by keeping investment within the city, creating jobs, attracting businesses and increasing local opportunities Attracting people to visit and live in Chestermere One place for a variety of recreation and entertainment activities
The top themes we heard from the discussion on how to make this idea successful and how to maintain momentum were:
Community engagement – Participants discussed the idea of gathering more feedback from the community through surveys, a door-to-door campaign and engagement sessions, with the purpose of
gauging support for the facility, understanding the wants and needs of the community, how the community was willing to contribute, and
2 how the City can leverage the skills of the people within the community.
Communications – Participants thought it was important to make sure residents know what is going on, had easy access to information and were engaged through the whole process. This includes generating excitement for the initiative and sharing opportunities for residents and businesses to get involved. Funding and Support – Participants expressed an interest in looking into the idea of government grants and funding, the possibility of sponsorship and naming rights, and community and corporate fundraising to build and sustain the facility.
Partnerships – Participants were interested in exploring partnerships with other municipalities such as Strathmore, Rocky View County and Langdon to build and operate the facility.
Research and Logistics – Participants suggested doing some research into what other communities like Airdrie, Canmore, Lac La Biche, Genesis Centre Calgary have done to build a sustainable and viable facility and the possibility of phasing development. Participants also suggested a feasibility study needs to be completed regarding the location, costs, etc. for the facility.
Next steps City Council is committed to moving forward with the idea generated from the community roundtable and has asked City Administration to create a report to take forward to Council in September, 2018. This report will include recommendations on next steps using the feedback generated by roundtable participants.
3 APPENDIX
Activity 1 – What does “amazing” mean to you? Table A Extraordinary Surprise Different from other places Wonder Interesting Innovative Wow-factor Astonishing Unicorns & rainbows Outstanding Something special Impressive Inspiring awe Technology clever Energy Attractive Passion Catches attention Incredible possibilities Something you want to emulate
Table B Inclusive Electrifying Fun Diverse Second to none Creative Unique Prosperous Endless possibilities Contagious energy/experience Positive Super substantial Has impact Forward-looking/progressive Sustainable Stops you in your tracks Multi-generational Energetic Vitality Collaborative Happy United Destination community Welcoming Content Neighbourly Multi-cultural “Bee city”
Table C Chestermere is a close and small community We have it better off than we know Unbridled engagement We have high expectations Better than average Small town vibe and sense of community Newer residents are concerned about what Chestermere has good road cleaning. It’s pretty Chestermere is lacking and easy to get around Making Chestermere amazing for raising family is We want Chestermere to be amazing because we important live here
Table D Out of the ordinary/positive How people relate/connect Positivity Surprised/happy Potential of the community Sets Chestermere apart Connectivity Draw people/keep people here
4 Table E Safe Great amenities Relaxing Inclusive Friendly Value for taxes Activity oriented Above and beyond Connected - Rise out of default - To know on another - Intentionality - Safety - To know more about community - Better place for family to grow - Shortest distance between two people is - Sustainable story - To be here for a long time
Table F Collaborative with other Business friendly/attract Collaborate – residents with communities businesses police/ citizens on patrol Inclusive Public transit Recreation Welcoming Transparent Age-friendly Envious Affordable Friendly Collaborative between orgs Pretty/scenic Unique Effective – financially Sustainable financially Courteous Low-crime/ police presence Increase accessibility on our roads
Table G Provides wonder, excitement, joy Something you got to talk about Connectivity to Calgary, trails (stroller, walking) Something that makes you stop - Bumping into areas Network, meet people Desirable place to be, hang out, check out Q – what can Council do? Having new challenges, adventure, try new things Flow of traffic, 17 ave Appealing on the west
Activity 2A – What would make Chestermere even more amazing? Table A
Capture the power of the people in community Engage the public for innovative ideas and products. We’re professionals with lots to offer! Identify individual’s skills More events like this. Yahoo democracy! Have a volunteer data-base that matches volunteers to jobs Volunteer Chestermere website – for people to find out what groups need volunteers for, events/ activities Support local businesses Use lake weeks as a source of power Relaxation pool Re-open the water park/slides
5 More recreational events (marathons, bike parks) A brand-new arts & culture library Arts centre > theatre > cultural centre > museum > coffee shop > second hand book store Build a new library with room for community event/ orgs, etc. Off road part, trails for motorbikes, quads enthusiasts Bike path along the lake Big winter and summer festivals Lake is too private Attract and construct a five-star resort to be built on the lake Better promotion of what we have going on in and outside the city Develop commercial base, attract more businesses to Chestermere Bus system Produce Chester-bucks to “spend” in local stores Develop central areas in the “village” nodes Alternative local currency Be prepared to try something new… Climate battery for indoor water park Take risks to put us on the map – green initiative?
Table B
Less crime thievery Lower taxes Truck terminal in industrial park Offer more support to charities Attract cannabis businesses Water park Theatre in the park, park entertainment Increase senior’s activities Interfaith events Better to efficient service to city Build assisted family living facility for seniors Add a university/college campus Adult education More tourist opportunities Boardwalk Committees that have a group of business minds – other than chambers Grow loop around the lake Interfaith council Connection – reason to talk Partnering for community amenities Join Calgary – this was developed as a bedroom community, might as well be one City marketing team to promote business
6 Less ticks from RCMP Concerts on the lake Job opportunities Attract new businesses Incentives for business – tax break, hire local people More affordable per square foot rent for business Attract big businesses Cheap parking Connecting pathways Sports competitions on the water Better cable Windmill farm Affordable housing options More focus groups with the community – include all ages, cultures, abilities Build senior size living More business diversity and limiting any one type of business so they can thrive not just survive Responsible management of public funds = decreasing taxes More recreation activities for youth Increasing size of city Pride parade Cultural events Rides for dad Foundation events Gasoline alley Health or hospital
Table C
Ability to live and work here for more people Opportunities to live and work in Chestermere Chestermere didn’t originate with an economic engine We need industry – perfect world is a work campus We need local businesses to achieve our social goals and community engagement More support of local businesses Advantages – Trans Canada (highway), proximity to Calgary More varied businesses Lower taxes Less crowded schools Social media is the best way to communicate Make Chestermere a more edible community Deeper sense of community/belonging More festivals – winter lights, festival of lights, winter fest, Remembrance Loop around the lake
7 Amazing race Attract Calgarians to our events Don’t worry about attracting “outsiders” Anniversary park Spread around the beach access Swimming pool in a community centre – keep people in Chestermere Rec centre is a “monkey on the back” – need more population A fresh new Council and Rock View County is an opportunity Youth job opportunities Transportation – new buses to and forth Calgary Variety of opportunities for youth The property east of highway 980 acres is an opportunity – economic driven “CenIron lands” The event rec centre parking lot is an issue Key ideas Edible city Activities on the lake (access) Festivals Live, work, play – trunk of tree – campus style of city
Table D
No more lake weeds A shared space that church groups could use for gatherings Ge out of Calgary Regional Partnership to design our community how we want Council transparency Defined neighbourhood places and groups and associations Increased collaboration between organizations so organizations are not running activities or events at the same time For the Mayor make Darienne official permaculture minister – Preston Green space utilization like Developing green spaces that can be utilized by the community as well as improve the natural environment within the city Disk golf course – for example power lines Develop the last lake front land for creative stories/ patios/ recreation Pride of places – think Sask, think Hardpressed, think Granville Island May Chestermere never look like sprawl of NE and SE Calgary Where is our Chestermere living room? Expand block parties Grater amenities of good return on our investment (taxes0 – pool, indoor running track, badminton, tennis, squash indoor Recreation facilities A new or larger/expanded recreation facility
8 Chestermere is already relatively forward thinking in environment issues e.g., goats, beekeeping. A perennial forest style garden that produces fruit or herbs or vegetables could be used by the entire city. It would vitalize unused space beneath power lines. It would provide an outdoor community space. With proper planting it would limit maintenance requirements. Would promote beekeeping, a sense of community can e used for elementary field trips.
Table E
Find ways to involve youth in the community – community responsibility Dredge the lake Tennis courts A place for teenagers Swimming pool Dog park that will not cost $450,000 Curling rings on the ice in the winter Dredge the lake Pool/multiplex attached to new high school Basketball courts Wall between Highway 1 and East Chestermere Drive for safety and noise Affordable to live here – taxes, utilities Skiing, wakeboarding, surfing Pickleball courts Quadruple the size of the beach (more sand, less grass) Expand the number of beach volleyball courts, run yearly tournament during wake fest Boat tour dining, dancing, casino? Bring back ice fishing derby Small area in the “downtown” where ATVs are permitted in the winter – get gas or go for dinner Gas for boats and snowmobiles available lakeside City run water ski course Chop down the fluff trees The lake is what sets Chestermere apart. Let’s keep it save and look at short-term and long-term plans to manage weeds Bring back turkey bowling Boardwalk with a few restaurants right on the lake (patios) For residents to not have to pick up floating weeds that float into people’s docks – lakeside not curbside Sell City Hall Better signage on highway Lake Boat inspection station at the entrance to Chestermere
9 Table F
Kite surfing Bike park attracts visitors More youth programs – bowling alley (at the sushi building), jobs Sylvan Lake – running, cricket, using the lake front Painting contest to engage children/youth for utility “green boxes” Goats – sight, families saw this, innovative, efficient World’s largest rubber duck race – raise $ More people in Chestermere using the beach – BBQ day, picnic day, community-wide To be known for something to encourage people to stop here Frisbee-golf course – low cost, by the community centre where they do car shows Upgrade water slides – acquire for future development and utilization Host provincial tournaments = busy restaurants – hockey, soccer, sports tourists Genesis Centre Airdrie – draw in tournament fees can pay for future amenities Aquatic centre – YMCA, softball, outdoor soccer here, expand on current rec facility Floats on the canal with Heather Glen – Aug long weekend float, programming Lake community, more access, boat launch – places to part boats Aging in place facility Taxes 60/40 Fence the skateboard -+visibility Entertainment district – live music, festival series, all genres, patio, amphitheatre – connected to rec Hardware store Restaurants Power line – encouraging better use of space – pathways, community garden Lake community More employment, businesses Chestermere to be a research test hub – technology, auto, world of tomorrow, research town
Table G
Community bulletin boards Community associations – localize the communications and resources Add public transportation Add SuperNet – access to bandwidth, tech incubator, education More recreation options for all ages, genders, etc. Signage and wayfinding (better) One stop shop for all city “lifestyle” information City needs a common goal – net-zero, baseball city, tech capital, festival city Amplify the good news – drown out the negative Be vocally supportive Community involvement
10 Constant communications with residents Affordable fit/ active, congruous – have communities that are filled in – walkable to retail and other amenities Supporting our service organizations Show people how to enjoy the drive – signage or something else that invites the experience of going from one side to the other – bringing communities together Quit
Activity 2B – Choose one thing
Utilize grassy area beneath power lines – perennial forest Community associations in each community Arts & cultural centre with a museum and library Marketing to attract investment to Chestermere to help achieve other ideas Live, work, play – strengthen what we have and our amenities (e.g., lake, pathways, festival) A place to get together – aquatics, entertainment, city within a city The lake – dredging to create higher appeal
Activity 2C – Vote The idea with the most votes was “arts & culture/recreation/entertainment centre, museum, library” in the community.
11 Activity 3 – Importance and Impact Table A Convenience Increased community health Increased opportunities for arts and culture Inspire commercial businesses to come to the city events and programs Opportunity to share and preserve history Increase local opportunities Increase community connection Create a community hub Increase event space and meeting space Keep $ local City promotion opportunity
Table B Increase population under 18 Be loose, creative in the community safely Wave pool, food court – generate $ How to keep this going? - Swimming team, squash, racket, - Grants, donations, i.e., library aerobics, indoor turf, running track Right rec coordination Working with neighbours (RVC, YYC) – opens opportunities for funding Everyone is running out of space (City, library) Location is important – people to move in closer to that area Innovative transportation options – shuttle Expansion between the two cities is becoming a reality Age friendly – i.e., seniors, arts, wood working, Local economy is boosted aerobics
Table C Employment Community (sense of) Mental & physical health of community Sustainable Attract visitors Boost local economy (user fees, amenity fees, private or public?) Help make use “amazing” compared to other Activities for youth communities Activities for all ages Service to local non-profits, associations, meeting spaces for all types Indoor farmer’s market and local businesses Venue for festivals (artisanal)
Table D Central place to gather/ meet Indoor gathering/activity space Opportunity for commerce Meet the needs of the whole community Creates jobs Makes community more sustainable Cost efficient building of amenity Promote/support a community identity – recreation lifestyle Attract visitors/outside of utilization of space Central “hub” can be inclusive to people of different needs and abilities Could be an incubator for small business Table E
12 Keep more people here More recreation – healthier families Multi-centre attracts one-stop shopping Entertainment – cinema, auditorium, arts and approach (multi-age) culture, drama, dance Sense of community A safe place for being active (seniors) Attract new residents
Table F Bring people together Concerts - $ Increase economy State of the art facility Increase pride in the community Keep $ in Chestermere Wide demographic Good use of resources Increase jobs Bring people in Housing complexes/seniors Year-round facility Something for everyone Increase revenue
Table G
Activity 4 – What can we do? How can we make this happen? Table A
Provincial and federal grants Work with partners – Rocky View and school board – Langdon – ensure not competing Incorporate or attract businesses to be part of centre Ask cities elsewhere what they are doing or how developed facility – financial and management Community organization input Meet with large corporations for sponsorship Fundraising by the community Communicate with residents about how can contribute More consultation with public throughout process
Table B
Fundraising (elected, prov officials, federal) – community pride and ownership AB Summer Games – attracts visitors to use tourist amenities, businesses Marketing committee ($) (self-sustaining) Community engagement – fun, leadership, volunteers – time and energy, buy-in Multiple communities buy-in – approach neighbouring Council’s Who else would be interested in this space? – attract retailers who aren’t able to get/afford YYC downtown, conferences Understand what will make residents stay? – versatility, big chains/mom & pop’s, demographic make up, what identity do we want to maintain Scoping, cooperation of other cities – faith, individual, businesses – what is the incentive to donate
13 Q – who will own this? City or private or non-profit Genesis Centre Calgary Talk to other facilities that have already done this – existing boards Renewable energy sources – green building – helps with ongoing expenses Request for information – get the community involved, tap into local talent/professionals Not for profit – draw grants Community identity – long time residents, community residents, heart, $, expertise, talent, “working for the people, not themselves” How o lead, passion, business plan to encourage donations o the right people involved, community buy-in, ownership o land planning, studies + not starting from scratch o city, working families – committee reflective of community o more meeting like today – can use these strats next meeting – social media, anchor – share the info, engage more people, different residents – a way to bring these ideas forward
Table C
Build it and they will come Where – location analysis Money – feasibility study/design exercise Who – City-led How do we sustain this conversation – by completing study/design exercise, Council needs a policy to move this forward How do we engage with residents who are not here – online surveys, open houses, flyers, Facebook conversations How much of a say do residents have – compile suggestions and group/ let all associations/businesses have input Grants, private funding, foundations, government – find other cities/municipalities – Strathmore, Rocky View, Langdon Can it be collaborative – 3P – yes, see above – study best practices in other cities and towns Needs a champion – team of excited people! Explore option of financing as a cooperative 20 acres of land might be available – current rec centre East area acreages Alberta Health Services facility How o Sweat equity o Talk to you neighbours about it o Location analysis o Design exercise - conceptual
14 Table D
Change perceptions of city from outside the city – positive marketing Agree on central location and acquire land… somehow – find a way to buy rec centre and bulldoze it – challenge: all rec facilities shutdown for 2-3 years Agree on importance of project and have multi-stakeholder committee to steer project and serve as communication ambassadors Location: needs to be accessible all day – not just evening Have a plan to sustain project beyond election cycles – when Councils change/project priorities change City needs to be attractive to investors – residents support business, Admin supports business, Council supports Admin/business How o Determine funding sources and create sponsorship program o Grow city population – actively market city to new residents o Change perception of city – affluent/too expensive/exclusive, too far, Chesterslough o Project team – multi-stakeholder o Positive and consistent communications – goal driven
Table E
Identify land Grand funding? Consult surrounding communities Please include an auditorium with a stage for use by our local bands, drama clubs, dance troupes, church groups could rent out this space for services and free up our local gyms for other activities on the weekend Door-to-door survey (community engagement) – wants and willingness to pay – threshold? Needs to be done in partnership Combine with commercial to leverage $ and space Funding from corporations Create spaces that draw people from Calgary and is multi-use e.g., meeting spaces Create a multi-plex that can grow with the needs – auditoriums, studios, multipurpose Canvas federal and provincial politicians – lobbying Fundraising (partial), naming opportunities Do a campaign to get the community buy-in (resident driven), needs analysis, open houses, workshops, feedback Identifying successful community centres and what makes them successful? Talk to managers of the centers (Airdrie, Canmore, Village Pod) Consider phase development with a long-term plan User-pay model Need to engage the hearts and minds – switch to live Shops? Website specific to the project Host a forum specific on recreation
15 Table F
Attract businesses Work with other levels of government Partnerships with region Government funding Planning committee to determine project charter Find incentive to sell to business Residents Support facility Positive message Lobby all levels of government Businesses Interest – long-term Commitment Organizations Partnership with sport organizations Fundraise How o Develop project team/charter/scope o Survey residents – what do they want? o Benchmark/research what is working in other communities o Bring organizations together o Start with a clear vision o Bring visionaries together to focus on idea and make it happen o Think outside the box o Ask people what they their neighbour wants
Table G
People to volunteer To try and engage/commit i.e., tumbler ridge model look to involve RVC, Calgary, Langdon involve all sports Re-use/better use space at CRCA i.e., synergy Un”trap” from historical experience Reset the button Tap into the youth for ideas Tap into business, tap into business owners that are resident – to vision Shift to a mindset of yes – ask the question of how to make it happen Get one person/block to go door-to-door community excited Build a website (Seth’s cool tool) Forum focussed on recreation (i.e., same as this event) Lac La Biche Country, HS Rec JHS
16 How o Cohesion among the existing NPO sectors – Camp Chestermere, football, hockey, soccer o Utilize relations that already exist o Put the groups/amenities together for one facility
Activity 5 – Maintaining Momentum
Volunteer time – work, organization More events like this Take it out to all citizens, get others involved – good committee, team Community what is already happening Door-to-door survey – engage all community Put a letter in tax notices – tax credit if they fill it out Website specific for the project – collect ideas online, keep people visiting the site (keep it up- to-date) Experience people for implementation If focused on rec centre, will get more people out Change the conversation wit your neighbours – away from negative – more positive, change narrative Firm-up location – signs up saying ‘new centre’ Form a committee and assign them jobs Stakeholders to drill down and identify what needs to be done Keep taxes and sustainability in mind Combine centre with new high school Joint venture – RVC, COC (partnerships) Consider not-for-profit – do pro/con list
17