The Chestermere RCMP has released a summary of resident feedback gathered during a recent survey, highlighting clear community priorities for local policing in Chestermere, Alberta. Between 483 survey responses collected over two weeks in March 2026, residents identified three main areas of focus: property crime and neighbourhood safety, traffic safety and road enforcement, and a more visible police presence in the community.
The report, titled the What We Heard report, details the primary concerns shared by participants. Residents frequently noted frustration with recurring thefts, break-ins, and other suspicious activities, citing a perceived lack of deterrence. Additionally, traffic safety emerged as a significant priority, with many respondents pointing to frequent speeding in school zones and residential areas, as well as a need for more consistent enforcement of traffic rules.
Many participants indicated that seeing officers patrolling their neighbourhoods would provide a greater sense of safety and help deter unwanted behaviour. Under the leadership of Detachment Commander Staff Sergeant Kathy Klassen, the detachment sets policing priorities for each fiscal year, running from April to March, to ensure that local officers are focusing their efforts on the issues that matter most to the public.
As the city continues to navigate rapid population growth, which saw the number of residents reach 31,671 in 2025, city leaders are also evaluating how to best manage local law enforcement. Currently, the city council is considering four potential policing models: maintaining the current RCMP contract, adopting a provincial model, creating a municipal police service, or contracting with a neighbouring municipal force.
The City of Chestermere council will review this feedback during the Governance and Priorities Committee meeting on April 21, 2026. The session will take place at 1:00 p.m. at City Hall, where residents are encouraged to attend to share their perspectives and participate in the ongoing conversation about community safety.
