Q&A with surrounding communities

Calgary's satellite communities and their respective housing markets saw economic conditions play out in different ways this past year.

CREB®Now spoke with the mayors of Airdrie, Cochrane, Okotoks and Chestermere to get their perspectives on 2016. Here's what they had to say:

First Bee City in Western Canada

The City of Chestermere is buzzing with excitement after becoming Western Canada's first Bee City.

The official honour from Bee City Canada recognized Chestermere's efforts in the fight to save Canada's declining bee population. The non-profit organization highlighted the city's current efforts to promote healthy ecosystems such as the community garden, its Chestermere in Bloom program, birth forest, as well as more than 70 parks and green spaces around the community.

Chestermere is only the second city designated in Canada as a Bee City, following Toronto.

Chestermere's growth reflects growing interest in satellite communities, say officials

The first permanent homes in Chestermere were built he same year the first Star Wars film came out: 1977

Seven movies later, the city's population is approaching 19,500 – with proposed development expected to double that number in the years to come.

"Fantastic cities attract fantastic people," said Mayor Patricia Matthews. "We have this huge body of water that's a great attractor for a lot of people. You get that feel of being out in the country – that retreat moment when you come home."