2023 Recap and Moving into 2024

2023 brought a few challenges near the back half of the year. In August, Slokker homes held an information session for residents. The plans put forth by the developer, reinforced the need for strong opposition. In September, City Council held a first reading of the bylaw to change the zoning of the recreational golf course lands; With a 4-3 vote council passed the first reading. The LSGGCPS moved quickly and mobilized after this to ensure residents were informed and had a voice. 

Upon the announcement of the public hearing in October, the society had confidence and sufficient evidence that they could move forward with retaining a lawyer at this time. 

In October, the public hearing commenced and there was overwhelming opposition to the proposal. A motion was put forth to move to a second reading that evening; City council unanimously voted against the rezoning of the recreation land. This was a victory for the community and residents. We ended the year on a high note.

Looking forward into 2024 we are faced with a few challenges. The dismissal of the Mayor and some members of council brings an impending municipal election in the spring. We need to ensure our presence and momentum is as strong as it was going into the previous election and public hearing. 

We are aware that both the developer and owners of the course are still strongly committed to finding ANY way forward. The preservation society is equally committed to combating development through both community engagement, support and legal protections. Being a Non-profit, the society relies heavily on the generosity and donations of the community to help combat already incurred and pending legal expenses. 

Slokker and the Lakeside owners will continue to move forward with a plan to develop parcels of land. Evidence of threats to close the golf course have been made publicly, under a LSGGCPS post to Facebook "Unanimously defeated"; President Peter Paauw (2023) of Slokker Homes, stated in a comment reacting to the post "Next step is closing the course". 

Paauw, P. (2023, October 17). Next step is closing the course. https://www.facebook.com/SaveLakesideGC. Retrieved October 19, 2023, from https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=891372605657340&set=p.891372605657340&type=3

The decision to take actions of any sort in regards to the course operations are up to the owner and developer who is invested in the property. As for us, we stay the course and stay in our lane meeting them head on with what we as a community and society can control. 

 In 2024, the Lakeside Greens Golf Course Preservation Society commits to staying vigilant awaiting what is to come in the new year. 

From the bottom of our hearts, Thank you to every individual who has supported the LSGGCPS the last three years. Chestermere residents have participated in events, donated, volunteered their time and in a call to action for opposition, the residents delivered. We are so amazed at what a community can accomplish when we all come together for a shared cause.

As a commitment to our residents, we will continue to fight for our city and oppose any future attempts to rezone or develop. Its not over till its over. 

On August 24th 2023, an information session was held at the lakeside greens golf course club house. There was a very large turn out of residents and members. There were poster boards displayed around the room to show future development plans of 3 parcels of land. Images of the developments were of multi-residential Condo/Apartment buildings and low density housing. There was no formal address or presentation to the attendees/residents and no question and answer session. Attendees had the option to write comments on sticky notes and place them on boards and there were a few formal comment sheets provided as well. No brochures or documents were given to residents. 

Lakeside Ownership was not present at the session.