In May, the City announced that it would accept applications for $129,000 in Community Grant funding for projects to enhance local amenities in sports and recreation, arts, culture, history and the social well-being of the residents of Chestermere.

“We are excited to announce that City Council has accepted the Community Grant Funding Adjudication Committee’s recommendations, and that 12 amazing projects will now receive funding for programming that benefits our residents and facilitates local community activities,” says Michelle Young, Chair of the Community Grant Funding Adjudication Committee and Councillor with the City of Chestermere. 

A total of 18 applications were received throughout May 2021 requesting a total of $278,333.27. 

“Applications were evaluated by the Committee to determine if projects were in alignment with Council’s strategic priorities,” says Marla Polachek, Coordinator, Support Services for the City. “Other evaluation criteria included determining the community need for the projects, the effectiveness of the implementation plan, and the value demonstrated in the project budget.” 

The following recommendations for Community Grant funding were approved by Council at the July 6 Regular Meeting:

1. Chestermere Food Bank: $20,000 to be put towards the purchase of a new vehicle for deliveries
2. Chestermere Minor Hockey: $17,000 for a development program for girls ages 5 – 18 years old
3. Chestermere Police Communications Committee: $2,500 for the purchase of crime prevention reminders and promotional material
4. Chestermere Public Library/Library Board: $6,250 for the Library Cares Initiative with a focus on mental health and self-care materials
5. Chestermere United Football: $12,600 for the Grassroots Program U5, U7, U10 & U12
6. Chestermere Whitecappers Association: $5,000 for seniors’ fitness classes
7. Home Hemodialysis: $750 to assist with utility expenses
8. Imagination Library of Chestermere: $5,000 for free books that are sent monthly to children age 0 – 5 years old regardless of family income
9. Lake Ridge Community Church: $4,000 for the Rocket Derby community-wide event
10. Rotary Club of Chestermere: $8,100 for the Edible Garden project
11. Synergy Youth and Community Leadership Society: $5,579.32 for the purchase of items to enhance the facility 
12. Tim Horton’s Western Canada Pond Hockey: $10,000 for advertising and the purchase of equipment. 

The total amount of Community Grant Funding awarded was $96,779.32, leaving $32,220.68 that will be carried over into the 2022 grant funding cycle.  

The next call for Community Grant applications will occur in the spring of 2022. To learn more about the Chestermere Community Grant program, visit chestermere.ca/communitygrants.

Funding of the Community Grant program is subject to annual budget approval by Chestermere City Council.