Mayor’s Message September 2013

There has been a rather alarming problem plaguing lakes in Southern Ontario and it has to do with little creatures called Quagga Mussels. While you may be wondering why I would be telling you about a problem with lakes in Southern Ontario when we live in Alberta, it’s because Quagga Mussels are trying to make their way into our Province. Their look-alike cousins are called Zebra Mussels and they too seem determined to invade Alberta. Diligent US border patrol officers have so far kept these mussels out but if we’re going to protect Chestermere Lake from any kind of infestation we all need to be on the lookout for them in our boats, trailers and water equipment including lifejackets. They are not killed by winter conditions!
Why are these mussels such a problem? Well, they filter water to the point where food sources like plankton are removed. While this causes clearer water, which one would think of as a good thing, it allows sunlight to penetrate even deeper than usual and that increases the growth of the aquatic vegetation we have in the Lake. Plainly, it means there would be more weeds! They also increase toxic algal blooms which we have been fortunate to have avoided thus far. They can affect spawning areas that negatively affect the ability of fish eggs to survive and the shells are sharp enough to cut swimmer’s feet. An invasion of these mussels would be very bad for our Lake and therefore our entire community. More information on this species will be posted on the Town website soon.
We are very pleased with the progress being made at the Bike Park by Rainbow Creek School. While the intention was to have this completed by September, the flooding that occurred at the end of June diverted many of the Town’s resources and heavy equipment that was meant for the project. We contributed many, many hours of manpower and equipment to help our disaster-struck neighbours get back on their feet and as a result we are now working very hard to catch up on priorities like the Bike Park project. Let’s hope the weather holds out!
We have also reinforced the message with the groups involved in creating this park that we expect it will be a fantastic amenity for the entire Town but that the neighbours have high expectations of a clean, safe site. The kids were very responsible with the original site and self-policed but if there are issues that can’t be overcome then the Town will need to return the area back to its original state. We have their assurance they will continue to take care of the amenity and we are excited about the final result!
The Youth Group committed to making this dream a reality is looking for additional volunteers on Saturday the 28th to help shape the jumps. This is the same type of volunteer effort that was put in at the original Bike Park site with great results. Please contact Jennifer if you can help at jfinnigan@chestermere.ca.
The pathway along Merganser Drive is finally connected from Rainbow Road all the way to West Chestermere Drive. The developer of the previous McIvor lands finished the project last week and pedestrians and bikers alike can now safely travel along Merganser without having to dodge puddles or traffic. The landscaping is being worked on now and should be done by the end of the month.
In case you were wondering what is happening with the heavy truck traffic on Chestermere Boulevard, our Community Peace Officers have completed their weigh scales training and have been ticketing overweight trucks as they come through our community. This has already started to change behaviour and we’re seeing less large trucks travelling through our Town.
Finally, there are some other groups in Town that are in need of your services as a volunteer. The Boys Scouts are in need of leaders and the schools in Chestermere look for people to help out with various programs throughout the year as well. The Rotary Club is still seeking members to join their organization and the United Way of Chestermere is always in need of good people to help with their events. If you have a need for volunteers or have the time to volunteer in the community please see the Town website for contact information, www.chestermere.ca. Thank you for giving your time to our community, volunteers are the backbone of what makes Chestermere a great place to live.