Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver announces he's removed the City of Chestermere's mayor. (Government of Alberta)

By Eli J. Ridder | @EliRidder

Alberta removes Chestermere mayor, some councillors and key staff

Dec 4, 2023 | 5:26 PM

EDMONTON, AB – The mayor of a small city outside Edmonton has been removed along with three members of council and three administrators by a ministerial order Monday.

The rare action by Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIver comes after months of conflict between the province and the City of Chestermere.

Major Jeff Colvin, councillors Stephen Hanley, Mel Foat and Blaine Funk and the city’s chief administrative officers Kim Wallace, Travis Fillier and Cam Wong have all been removed after contesting a provincial review of the city’s governance.

“I am confident this action is in the best interest of the citizens of Chestermere, who deserve to have trust and faith in their local government,” McIver said in a news conference.

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Chestermere was mentioned in a letter signed by 285 Medicine Hat residents and sent to Alberta government officials Nov. 14 as an example of a city with municipal governance issues.

The letter calls on the province to order an inspection around the operations of the city, the city owned utility, COMCO, and the mayor.

The ministry of municipal affairs said it was still reviewing the contents of the letter in response to an inquiry by CHAT News on Monday.