The City of Chestermere has finalized its acquisition of the Lakeside Greens Golf Course, marking a historic moment in the City's efforts to protect and expand public recreation. With Council's approval on September 23, 2025, the agreement will close on October 1, making the City the official owner of the 127-acre property.
This decision follows months of negotiation, due diligence, and community conversation. Earlier this year, the course's ownership group had indicated a plan to cease operations. In response, Council took swift action to secure the site as a publicly owned amenity, one that protects green space, preserves local jobs, and provides long-term recreational value for all residents.
"This is about more than golf," said Mayor Shannon Dean. "It is about safeguarding public land, protecting the character of our neighbourhoods, and making smart investments in Chestermere's future. Our residents have asked for better recreation, and today we are delivering."
Expanding Public Recreation in Chestermere
Until recently, the City held no recreation land outside of Municipal Reserve (MR) parcels. With this acquisition, along with the 27.5-acre Recreation Centre Lands and the 13-acre Dawson parcel, Chestermere now holds over 160 acres of publicly owned space for parks, recreation, and community benefit.
The acquisition includes:
- · 127 acres of land, including the golf course, supporting infrastructure, and equipment
- · Water licensing associated with the site
- · Confirmed profitability of course operations through due diligence
- · A purchase price of $10 million, or approximately $78,000 per acre
Purchase Financing
The purchase will be financed through a combination of municipal debt and existing reserves. Land costs will be drawn from reserve funds, while operational elements will be supported through debt. Revenues from golf course operations are expected to cover all
ongoing costs, including repayment of the debt portion. This approach reflects a user-pay model, allowing recreation users to support the cost of the amenity while preserving benefits such as job protection, green space, and public access without requiring general tax increases.
Key Community Benefits
- · Safeguards 127 acres of green space in central Chestermere
- · Blocks future high-density development on the site
- · Preserves 75 local jobs tied to course operations
- · Supports public health and active recreation for all ages
- · Delivers on the City's Strategic Plan for livability and quality of life
"This Council set out to do things differently, and this is another example of how we're building for the long term," said Mayor Dean. "We are proud to protect this asset for today's residents and generations to come."
The City extends its gratitude to residents for their continued feedback on recreation priorities. Further updates will follow as the deal officially closes and future plans for public benefit take shape.
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