The History of Chestermere
Chestermere History Book - A Home for All Seasons
Chestermere’s 4th history book was published in the fall of 2005 by the Town of Chestermere. Its 605 pages are packed with stories and photographs which are a compilation of new stories and recent history as well as many stories and photographs from previously published books on the Chestermere area. The cost is $48, and books are available at:
The Town of Chestermere
105 Marina Drive,
Chestermere AB
Telephone: (403) 207-7050.
Cash, cheque or debit cards accepted.__
Prior to 1883 farmers and cattle ranchers used what there was of a Lake for their livestock.
The whole idea of the Lake originated in the dry years of 1884 – 1896 when 2 men (Mr. William Pearce, Dominion of Canada Superintendent of Lands & Mines) and Mr. Dennis (C.P.R.) came up with the idea of irrigation of the prairies. They felt this amenity would be desirable and would greatly increase the productivity and value of the lands served.
To further these plans to bring in irrigation, the Canadian Pacific Railway Company arranged with the Dominion Government for consolidation of their grant lands a solid block of 3 million acres lying north of the Bow River and between Calgary & Medicine Hat. Within this area the C.P.R. owned all the land except some areas that were granted as homesteads prior to 1903.
The Lake was formed in 1906 (not by dredging) but rather by a dam that was built across Kinniburgh Slough which then caused water to fill the natural depression in the land. Water to fill it was diverted from the Bow River. The only man-made parts of the Lake are the dam and headgates at either end. The dam was made of earth, was 2,000 feet long and 30 feet high. The purpose of the Lake within the Western Irrigation District was to act as a balancing pool for the system.
The Lake is three miles long, one half mile wide lying parallel to Calgary.
How the Lake was Named
There are three versions of how the Lake was named. No one has been able to identify one specifically as being the truth – probably because it was almost 100 years ago that Chestermere Lake was named.
- The Lake was named during a picnic held at the present site of Camp Chestermere. Many people in attendance were tired of their Lake being called a slough. Some of these people were from Chesterville, Ontario, so Chester Lake was suggested, the final outcome being Chestermere.
- The Lake was named after Lord Chester, who at the time was a Director with the C.P.R.
- The Lake was named after a Lord Chestermere.
How the Lake became a Summer Village
After a dam was built and the Lake formed, businessmen instigated plans for the use of this new Lake.
The area was referred to as a “pleasure resort” and the “swellest residential suburb of Calgary” to attract potential buyers.
People began the leasing of lots. The Cabin Owners at Chestermere Lake were organized in 1959, incorporated under the Societies Act in December of 1959.
At the end of 1975 Cabin Owners had the opportunity to buy their lots – WID sold the land to the residents of Chestermere for $1,500,000.
Chestermere Lake became a summer village in 1977. By becoming a village the residents were given the advantages of being the authority to levy their own taxes and to make their own decisions regarding allotment of this revenue.
The Town of Chestermere incorporated March 1, 1993.