The continuing evolution of Chestermere

If the only thing you know about Chestermere is its lake, then you might be in for a surprise the next time you visit this vibrant, growing city just east of Calgary.

Chestermere has been on fast track to growth, with a population of 24,649 in 2022, the 19th highest in the province, according to a Government of Alberta census. And it continues to grow at a 6.38 per cent clip year-over-year, and 15.7 per cent in the last five years, making it the 17th fastest growing municipality in Alberta.

New home owning opportunities abound, and there are several new residential communities already underway and a couple more that are just about ready to go.

“Chestermere is a great city to live in if you’re looking for a more relaxed city life,” says Monica Bilyk, Marketing and Communications Manager at Qualico Communities Calgary, who are about to embark on their second community in Chestermere – Bridgeport - following the success of their first community, Dawson’s Landing.

“Homes are more affordable, there’s less traffic and noise, and yet everyday needs - such as groceries, and entertainment, are only minutes away.”

Fast track to growth

There are plenty of choices of where to live in Chestermere. Dawson’s Landing by Qualico and Chelsea by Anthem are closest to Calgary on the west part of Chestermere, and they started relatively at the same time. Both will undoubtedly benefit from the addition of a new school.

“We received exciting news at the beginning of the month when the Province announced funding for five new school sites in the Rocky View School District - one of which is Chestermere’s K-9 School located in Dawson’s Landing,” Bilyk says.

“The school site is in Phase 4 of the community and will ease overcrowding in neighbouring schools. It’s something that residents on the West side of the city have been waiting for and we’re thrilled that we’re now one step closer to making it a reality.” Find out more about Dawson’s Landing at liveindawsonslanding.com.

New communities

Besides Chelsea and Dawson’s Landing, also growing fast is the new community of South Shore. Developed by GDS on behalf of Edgewater Communities Inc, South Shores is adjacent to the south shores of Chestermere Lake. It is comprised of 77.5 gross acres interlaces with pathways, playgrounds and adjacent shoreline.

Then there is also Waterford by Douglas Homes, and the aforementioned Chelsea from Anthem, which won Best New Community in 2020.
Coming up is Clearwater Park, which was recently given the go-ahead by the City, and construction of the 580-acre community located along Highway One is underway.

Qualico Communities’ Bridgeport, located just north of Dawson’s Landing, will encompass seven phases over 251 acres of land, three major park spaces, a small retail site, and a public-school site in its initial stages of development.

“Bridgeport will offer a housing mix that can accommodate a variety of young families, individuals, and seniors. On-site construction is scheduled to start this Spring with the community’s first Showhomes set to open in early 2025,” Bilyk says. Sign up to receive updates on Bridgeport at liveinbridgeport.com.

Recreational haven

Beach fun in the summer, outdoor skating rink in the winter, Chestermere Lake is what has made the city such a prime destination for active, young families.

There is also of course the Lakeside Golf Club in town, a semi-private beautifully manicured 18-hole Championship Golf Course. The Calgary Yacht Club is on the shores of Chestermere Lake, and Anniversary Park is the lakeside park where many of the young city’s social and cultural life happens. Chestermere Landing is the city’s first commercial centre where the iconic Dockside Bar and Grill is located, and it has opened its marina for recreational activities in the summer and winter.

The massive East Hills shopping centre is right on the border between Calgary and Chestermere, and its cinemas, big box stores and boutique diners have provided a ton of convenience to residents along the 17th Avenue SE - Chestermere Blvd. corridor.

But what attracts people to Chestermere today isn’t solely its resort town charm, but its total family-oriented, ease-of-living package. Not to mention the wide range of housing options available in its vibrant, new communities.