Park Maintenance
Spring Maintenance
In the spring you will likely see parks crews out:
- De-thatching boulevards, parks, and green spaces
- Removing gravel from boulevards
The lake water is raised in the early spring (usually mid to late April) and is lowered shortly after the Thanksgiving holiday. If you have any questions about the lake water levels, please visit the Western Irrigation District (WID) website
Summer Maintenance
In the summer, you will likely see parks crews completing the following:
- Lake Maintenance
- Mowing grass
- Planting flowers
- Watering
- Weeding
Winter Maintenance
In the winter, you will likely see parks crews out:
- Clearing the bike paths during snowfalls (except Sundays and Statutory holidays)
- Clearing of City owned commercial sidewalks
- Pathways will not be salted or sanded as per Policy 501, Section 500
- Pruning trees in boulevards, parks, and green spaces
All Season Maintenance
Throughout the year you may see parks staff working on:
- Garbage cleanup
- Playground inspections and maintenance
Disease & Pest Control
The City of Chestermere follows the Integrated Pest Management practice (IPM), along with all other federal and provincial government acts and legislation, including but not limited to; Weed Control Act, Pest Control Products Act, Environmental Code of Practice for Pesticides, Pesticide Storage Regulations etc.
More information on pests and diseases affecting trees and shrubs and other areas in Chestermere:
For more information on any of these Maintenance items, contact the City’s Parks Department at parks@chestermere.ca or call (403) 207-2807
Branch Bins
Residents can take their branches to the branch bins at the Eco Centre.
Branches will be chipped and made into mulch that is used in community tree and shrub beds. Reminder: the City does not accept root balls and branches covered in dirt as they will destroy the blades on the chipper and branches cannot be larger than 6 inches (15 cm) in diameter.
Lake Weed Harvesting & Processing
City staff harvest lake weeds during the months of July and August. Residents will see 3 large orange weed harvesters out on the lake during the summer months. Lake weeds are picked up and composted by the City. Compost is available to all residents at the Eco Centre.
Thank you to all lakefront owners who take the time and immense effort to collect weeds along their lakeshore property!
Water Quality Testing
City staff take samples of the lake water each week and send them for testing to Alberta Health Services. Testing is done at the Cove Beach, Sunset Park, John Peake Park and multiple samples are taken at Anniversary Park (due to its popularity). If water quality concerns are found, the City will notify the public.
For more information, visit the Alberta Health Services website.
Lake Water Used For Irrigation
The lake is still actively used as a reservoir for irrigation canals that run along the north and south ends of the lake. As such, the Western Irrigation District (WID) is able to control the water levels.
Weed Harvester & Lake Weeds FAQs
Why Do We have So Many Lake Weeds?
Water temperature, depth, water quality and lake usage all play a part in weed quantity.
The lake weeds multiply when they break up, float around, and then establish new colonies. A new plant can start from a tiny piece of an existing one.
The most common form of weed in Chestermere Lake is the Northern Milfoil.
What Are The Harvesters For?
The City operates three aquatic weed harvesters and a barge. They operate from July 1 – Aug 31 each year. Depending on weed growth, harvesters may begin cutting earlier or cut later into September. The harvesters cut and remove lake weeds and other debris to ensure that Chestermere Lake remains safe for recreational and boating activities. Harvesting also reduces the clogging of the Western Irrigation District (WID) irrigation system.
Is There A Schedule The Harvester Operators Follow?
The harvester operators follow a set schedule based on the historical prevalence and location of weeds. Although they typically adhere to a regular “route”, picking up where they left off the day before, this route may vary depending on operator discretion. They also focus on floating weed masses and known areas with high weed populations.
The harvester machine can only cut weeds down to a depth of 2m. This means that the weeds still grow on the lake bottom. As such, this program keeps weed growth in check during the season but does not prevent them from growing.
How Do Lakefront Homeowners Collect Lake Weeds?
Every summer, the lakefront owners help out by collecting floating weeds and hand harvesting weeds on and around their shoreline.
This task involves putting the weeds into lake weed carts that are picked up by the City’s Environmental Services team for a 12-week period in the summer months.
This collaboration ensures that Chestermere Lake continues to be a key recreational amenity for everyone to enjoy.
Where do The Weeds Go Once Harvested?
The lake weeds are hauled by truck to the City’s Eco Centre.
About the Compost: the lake weeds are deposited, screened of debris, turned regularly for several months, and mixed with other soil to create good compost material. The process takes place for approximately one year. The larger clumps are screened out and the remaining compost is made available to residents.
Picking Up Compost: Residents must bring their own shovels and bins: these are not provided at the depot. Staff are not available to help load material. Please take only what you need – you cannot take a full truckload.