On Tuesday, Airdrie’s City Council reviewed and accepted the 2024 mid-year update on its Focus Areas, shedding light on the city’s progress across critical growth sectors.
Since early 2022, the Council has been zeroing in on priority areas for 2023 to 2026, developing detailed plans and budgets for each. The mid-year update provides a snapshot of these ongoing initiatives, with responsible business units regularly reporting their progress. The core focus areas include economic prosperity, environmental protection, transportation, leisure, recreation, culture, and advocacy.
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Economic prosperity
One primary goal is to balance the city’s tax base by increasing the non-residential-to-residential assessment ratio to 80/20 by 2030. Over 1,000 acres of land are currently being developed in East Points, including significant projects like 53 acres in Spring Valley and 400,000 square feet of retail space in South Point. The "Our Growth Drives Yours" campaign and new concierge services aim to foster business expansion. The Downtown Incentive Program, launched in May 2024, is designed to revitalize Airdrie’s core, with 37 local businesses already participating in efforts to boost downtown vibrancy.
Leisure, recreation, and culture
To cater to Airdrie’s growing population, key community projects include the Inspire Airdrie Multi-Use Facility and Library, opening in fall 2025, and the future Westside Recreation Centre. Construction is progressing smoothly, with an artificial turf field also set to open on September 6.
Transportation
The city is working to enhance mobility and spur economic growth through transportation improvements. The 40th Avenue interchange and the planned rail underpass at Yankee Valley Boulevard are expected to ease traffic flow and attract businesses. The Transportation Master Plan, due in the second quarter of 2024, will guide future infrastructure developments up to 2090.
Advocacy
Airdrie is ramping up advocacy efforts to increase communication about city services and citizen advocacy. Planned events include the second Airdrie Day at the Legislature in November 2024, focusing on water and wastewater issues. Resolutions on FCSS funding and the Alberta Animal Protection Act have been advanced to the ABMunis Convention. Advocacy also involves securing provincial support for a new wastewater pipeline, with ongoing discussions with key officials.
A caring, informed, and engaged community
The city is building stronger community connections through initiatives like the Indigenous Relations Framework and hiring an Indigenous Advisor. Efforts to improve social well-being include the EDI Path Forward, which supports vulnerable residents and addresses housing needs. The "Involve Airdrie" platform has seen strong participation, and continued advocacy ensures residents stay informed and engaged.
Environmental protection
Airdrie is committed to sustainable practices, including water conservation and alternative energy solutions. Water consumption has dropped in 2024 due to restrictions on rainwater harvesting and irrigation system expansion. The updated Conservation and Energy Plan (CEP) and Water Bylaw continue to drive these efforts. The Green Fleet Strategy aims for a 5 percent annual reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, with a feasibility study for electric transit buses expected by the end of the quarter.
Earlier this month, the city released its annual growth report, and according to the 2024 growth report, 'at the current pace of development, Airdrie could add another 50,000 people by 2033.'
"This will make Airdrie the third largest city in the province. At full build, Airdrie could achieve a population of over 265,000 people and create more than 80,000 – 91,000 jobs for residents in the region."
Other key highlights of the report include an 18.5 per cent increase in population since 2019, a 20 per cent increase in business licenses issued over five years, as well as a 17 per cent increase in employment from 2019-2023
"Airdrie's population is forecasted to increase by 29.5 per cent from 2024 - 2028," The City stated on its website.
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