City of Chestermere Seeks Resident Feedback on Secondary Suites and Boarding House Bylaws

The City of Chestermere is inviting residents to weigh in on proposed changes to municipal bylaws affecting secondary suites and boarding houses, as officials look to update land-use regulations in response to local growth and housing trends.
Two public hearings on the proposed amendments are scheduled during a regular City Council meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 27, at 9:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. The first will focus on the Secondary Suites Land Use Bylaw Amendment (Bylaw No. 040-25) and the second on updated boarding house parking requirements under Land Use Bylaw Amendment (Bylaw No. 002-26).
The proposed secondary suites amendment would broaden where and how secondary suites can be permitted in Chestermere. Early details suggest the changes could allow secondary suites in semi-detached dwellings in addition to traditional single-detached homes, expanding housing flexibility for property owners.
The boarding house amendment proposes specific regulations to manage density and parking concerns. Among the new requirements, Bylaw No. 002-26 would mandate one on-site parking space per bedroom in boarding houses, helping address potential impacts on neighbourhood street parking and infrastructure.
These hearings arrive as Chestermere continues to grow. According to the 2025 Municipal Census, the city’s population now stands at 32,255, up from 28,129 in 2024, marking continued rapid growth in one of Alberta’s fastest-expanding communities. The average household size remained at approximately 3.5 residents per dwelling.
City officials say the bylaw changes are part of a broader effort to adapt local planning, housing options, and urban development strategies to better meet the needs of a growing and diversifying population. Encouraging public participation is central to that process, with residents able to share their views in person or in writing.
Residents can submit written comments in advance via the City of Chestermere’s official website, or by emailing:
publichearing@chestermere.ca.
All written submissions must include a name, address and phone number to be considered.
In-person participation at the hearings is also welcomed and offers an opportunity for residents to speak directly to council members about their concerns or support for the proposed amendments. City staff will be available to provide information about the details and implications of the bylaws before the hearings begin.
More information on both proposed amendments, including background documents and the full text of the bylaws, is available on the City of Chestermere’s website. Residents are encouraged to review the materials and participate in the decision-making process shaping Chestermere’s housing policies for the coming years.