Chestermere City Council gave final approval to a new set of rules that will allow secondary suites in more residential areas across the community, ending months of debate over housing affordability and neighbourhood density.
The vote came on June 9, 2026, after a public hearing that ran from 11:03 a.m. to 11:44 a.m. Council members also agreed to accept written comments submitted after the official deadline and had city staff update the meeting package to include them.
Under the bylaw, secondary suites will be permitted in most residential zones but are not allowed in the Residential Lakeshore District (R-1L) or in Golf Course Residential areas. Council had earlier directed administration to broaden the definition of secondary suites to include alternate forms of dwelling units for Country Residential Districts, such as garden suites, garage suites, and others, as applicable.
The changes follow years of community discussion about how to manage growth in one of Alberta’s fastest-expanding cities. Supporters have pointed to secondary suites as a way to increase housing options, while others have raised concerns about parking and overcrowding. The new bylaw includes stronger parking requirements and clearer permit processes for all suites.
First reading of the bylaw took place on May 12, 2026, setting the stage for the final decision earlier this month. More details on the rules and how they affect different neighbourhoods are available through the City of Chestermere.
