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1. Why did Council implement beach fees for non-residents?

With the current public health concerns around the COVID-19 pandemic, the City recently implemented capacity limits at the beaches, under the authority of the provincial beach guidance document, to ensure that visitors are safe. To help offset the costs of enforcing those limits, the City is now requiring non-residents pay an admission fee.

Last Updated: July 30, 2020

2. When will the beach fees start?

The fee charges will start on Friday, July 31, 2020.

 Last Updated: July 30, 2020

3. If I am a Chestermere resident, can I bring a guest who is not a resident?

Chestermere residents receive complimentary access but any guest or visitor who is not a Chestermere resident will need to pay the required fees.

Last Updated: July 30, 2020

4. What type of payment will you accept?

Only debit card or credit cards are being accepted. Cash will not be accepted.

Last Updated: July 30, 2020

5. If I have family in Chestermere, do I have to pay?

Anyone who is not a Chestermere resident will need to pay the required fees.

Last Updated: July 30, 2020

6. Which beaches will you have to pay for?

Currently, fencing and fees are in place for Anniversary Park and Beach and Cove Park and Beach. At this time Sunset Park will not have charges (but there is construction at the park). If overcrowding is an issue, fencing and fees may be implemented at Sunset Park as well.

 Last Updated July 30, 2020

7. I am a resident, but my children do not regularly live with me. Will I have to pay for them if we go to the beach?

Anyone over 15 will be required to show ID. If you are a resident and bring your children, you will not have to pay for them.

Last Updated: July 30, 2020

8. Our kids go to Chestermere schools. Do they have to pay?

If their student ID card is from a Chestermere school, then they would not have to pay.

 Last Updated: July 30, 2020

9. My child is under 15 but will go to the beach with their friends. Do they need to show ID?

Anyone over 15 will be required to show ID. Those under 15 will not be required to show ID.

 Last Updated: July 30, 2020

10. Why don’t Chestermere residents pay a fee?

Chestermere residents already pay for the maintenance of the beaches, so adding an admission fee for those who do not live in our community helps to offset the costs of keeping visitors safe during this global pandemic.

Last Updated: July 30, 2020

11. Won’t this drive away business?

Many beachgoers bring their own food and supplies and many business owners have not reported extensive business from beachgoers. However, the bylaw will only be in place for the remainder of 2020, after which time the economic impact will be evaluated.

 Last Updated: July 30, 2020

12. How were the fees chosen?

The City evaluated the cost to add fencing, signage and security in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and set fees that would help offset some of those costs. It is estimated that the City will still need to pay for $15,000 of costs but the fees will help to cover some of those expenses. And, while this is cost recovery in part, the fees still don’t cover additional costs to protect people from COVID-19.

Last Updated: July 30, 2020

13. Why should non-residents pay when Chestermere residents do not have to pay extra fees for amenities in other municipalities?

Public places are generally free for all residents and non-residents, but municipalities can charge extra fees for non-residents to use amenities. For example, if a Chestermere resident would like to get a pass to the Calgary Public Library, they would be required to pay $112 membership fee (whereas it is free for Calgary residents).

Last Updated: July 30, 2020

14. What authority does the City of Chestermere have to do this?

The City cannot prohibit non-residents from using the beach as Alberta does not allow discrimination between residents and non-residents being permitted in public places. However, by passing Bylaw 026-20 on July 28, the City can now recover some of the costs associated with the activities at the beach by charging a fee for non-residents. This is done under the authority of the Municipal Government Act and the City has the right to regulate activities on Chestermere Lake under the agreement with the Western Irrigation District. 

 Last Updated: July 30, 2020