MLA looks forward to 2026

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Chantelle de Jonge, MLA for Chestermere-Strathmore, expressed optimism for 2026 regarding the ongoing growth of the constituency both in terms of business and population.

“We are one of the fastest, if not the fastest growing constituency in the province. My focus will remain on supporting my neighbours and the community businesses with infrastructure,” she said. “Roads, schools, access to healthcare – these are where people are feeling the pinch point with the population growth and I want to ensure that our constituency is well supported, and that’s where we have seen a lot of victories over the past year as well.”

She specifically referenced the province’s school accelerator program for its influence towards the construction of new facilities. In Strathmore, next on the docket is the replacement of the Westmount Elementary School.

Regarding local health care, de Jonge added she was excited to see two new doctors begin their operations in Strathmore just before the end of 2025, as well as a new clinic set to open this year. 

“Because of the growth we are seeing, my questions to the ministers in the question period … I was very focused on schools, on healthcare, on transportation. Those were my three big issues, and that is what I asked corresponding ministers about,” said de Jonge. “They were able to provide great updates for the constituency, and particularly on transportation, just because we have had so many announced.”

Upgrades to Glenmore Trail and Rainbow Road have been announced for this year, as well as with engineering of the interchanges along Highway 1.

The closest interchange development to Strathmore revolves around the site allocated for the De Havilland aircraft campus.

“We also announced last year that we are going to be building a roundabout at Highway 9 and 564, another intersection that is quite dangerous, and so we are going to be moving ahead this year with those upgrades as well,” said de Jonge. “Leading up to session, I’m working on Alberta’s nuclear engagement and that’s been an incredibly exciting project to be able to work on as chair of Alberta’s nuclear engagement and advisory panel.”

She explained the mandate of the team is to provide a report and their advice to the rest of the government in March about how to proceed on future projects, initiatives or investments.

Announcements made in the spring will be followed by in-person public engagement sessions. Relevant topics of interest currently being discussed include nuclear waste management and safety.

Regarding the ongoing lodge project overseen by the Wheatland Housing Management Board, de Jonge said she provided a letter of support for their application for provincial funding, as well as connected the team with the appropriate official to enhance their application.