The Alberta government has fired Chestermere’s mayor, half of city council, and all city CAOs after alleged improper and irregular governance of the city dating back to 2022.
Former Mayor Jeff Colvin, Coun. Mel Foat, Coun. Blaine Funk, Coun. Stephen Hanley and the three CAOs were sent a notice of dismissal by Minister of Municipal Affairs Ric McIver on Monday morning, saying their termination was effective immediately.
After concerns from residents about how city council was being managed, the Minister of Municipal Affairs ordered a municipal inspection in May 2022. After the independent investigation wrapped up in September 2022, the provincial government found that the City of Chestermere “was being managed in an irregular, improper and improvident manner.” An official administrator, Douglas Lagore, was appointed to supervise the municipality and its council. The official report can be read here.
On March 15, 2023, the minister issued 12 binding directives, requiring the City to take action to address key areas of concern. According to the provincial government, the City failed to do so, and an issue of concern was sent to all seven council members, as well as all three CAOs, on Oct. 18, 2023. After not seeing much change, according to Minister McIver, the notices of termination were sent on Dec. 4.
Douglas Lagore and an interim CAO are in place to oversee Chestermere’s governance and operations. An independent accounting firm will undertake a financial review of the City of Chestermere, and a byelection will be held in 2024 to fill the rest of city council. The remaining councilors, Coun. Shannon Dean, Coun. Sandy Johal-Watt, and Coun. Ritesh Narayan will hold their positions but will have no role in the governance of the city until the byelection is complete.
