The Journey
Swearing in as Ward 10 Alderman 2005
Choosing Calgary As their new home
Like so many residents of Ward 10, Andre Chabot’s parents chose to make Calgary their new home.
Hearing about the benefits the great city had to offer, they packed up their children from a farming community in central Saskatchewan and headed off to make a new life in the North East part of the City of Calgary.
1971
As the Chabot family was settling down in Ward 10, the Calgary Stampede had been operational for 48 years, and the Calgary Stampeders' football team was competing in the Canadian Football League with home games at McMahon Stadium.
Peter Lougheed was Premier and Andre was an inspired young man.
Construction
By the age of 24, Andre had become a proficient and admired member of the construction business, working on projects that developed his keen understanding of the building trade.
Andre enjoyed the accomplishments of construction, but was eager to enhance his education when he heard about a technology program at a renowned educational institution called DeVry.
DeVry University
Devry's Electronics Technology Program peaked Andre's interest, and his determination and dedication saw a four-year program completed in two, and he graduated with honours at the top of his class.
With his diverse skill set, he operated, managed and owned an electronics parts distribution businesses for over 18 years when he was encouraged to put those skills to work to represent the people of his community.
Elected City Councillor
Andre had gained a great number of business acquaintances and colleagues over the years and they showed their support for him when he ran for council in 2005.
For a period of twelve years, Andre used his knowledge from his electronics and construction industry experience, and applied it to support, develop and protect the interests of the people of Ward 10.
Always advocating for redevelopment in East Calgary, Andre championed to increase investment in public transportation infrastructure and encouraged private investments, such as East Hills Shopping Centre and 17th Avenue SE redevelopment.
For a period of twelve years, Andre used his knowledge from his electronics and construction industry experience, and applied it to support, develop and protect the interests of the people of Ward 10.
Always advocating for redevelopment in East Calgary, Andre championed to increase investment in public transportation infrastructure and encouraged private investments, such as East Hills Shopping Centre and 17th Avenue SE redevelopment.
Accomplishments
- - Andre was one of the three signatories from the City of Calgary on the Canadian Coalition of Municipalities Against Racism and Discrimination;
- - Andre drafted the Notice of Motion to introduce Natural Gas busses and a Natural Gas storage facility which has now grown to a fleet of 200 buses;
- - Due to Andre's efforts as City Councillor, the city agreed to provide the land and maintenance for the Applewood Park and Andre personally helped build it;
- - Andre provided funding and increased the size of the communities’ lease-hold to allow for the development of the Applewood Rink and outdoor exercise equipment;
- - Andre helped secure funding and physically aided in the construction of the playgrounds of Forest Heights
- and Forest Lawn.
Family
Andre's family was well-established when he and his wife Denyse first opened their doors to the community. Their four daughters gladly participated as hosts in the annual ‘free entry/free refreshment’ Forest Lawn Outdoor Pool parties and continue to be inspired by Andre's sincerity and devotion and they proudly support his role as advocate for the district residents of Ward 10.
The Heart of the People
Andre Chabot has won the heart of the people in North-East Calgary with his dedication and enthusiasm. He is committed to job creation, a strong economic community and has a zest for life. He leads with his heart and shares his zeal through hockey, golf, fishing, automobile repair and helping others. Andre's generosity and strong sense of family and many community contributions continually display his total commitment to the people.