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Airdrie’s Fair Access low-income subsidy program grew sharply in 2024, with enrolment rising by 68 per cent and total projected subsidies for 2025 reaching $563,000 — more than $263,000 above the original budget.
According to the Airdrie Fair Access 2024 Update, which council received April 1, 1,099 households and 2,720 residents were enrolled in the program by the end of 2024. That’s up from 653 households and 1,735 residents in 2023. The report notes an average of 2.5 residents per subsidy card.
The Airdrie Fair Access (AFA) program provides income-tested subsidies for city services. As of 2024, eligible services include Airdrie Transit, Genesis Place, Bert Church Live Theatre and, newly added in the fall, RCMP administrative services such as criminal record checks and fingerprinting required for employment or volunteering.
Eligibility is based on Statistics Canada’s Low-Income Cut-Offs Before Tax, or LICO-BT. This measure defines income thresholds where households spend 20 percentage points more than average on food, shelter and clothing. The City updates its eligibility levels annually in the second quarter and applies a three-tier subsidy system: 75 per cent, 50 per cent or 25 per cent, depending on income and household size.
The program’s largest cost centre in 2024 was Genesis Place. The number of subsidized memberships increased by 25 per cent, punch passes and drop-ins rose by 71 per cent, and program registrations went up by 58 per cent. According to the report, this growth suggests the subsidy allowed more families to access summer camps and school-year day camps. Genesis Place accounted for $413,600 in total AFA subsidies in 2024.
Subsidized Airdrie Transit use also increased. The number of passes and ticket books distributed under AFA grew by 26 per cent compared to 2023, while the number of specialized medical trips funded through the program decreased by 11 per cent. Total subsidies for transit amounted to $51,001.61, including $24,036.50 covered by the province through its Low-Income Transit Pass grant.
Use of Bert Church Live Theatre more than tripled. The number of subsidized tickets rose from 17 in 2023 to 55 in 2024. The program also recorded eight registrations for theatre programs, which had not occurred the previous year. The total subsidy issued for theatre access was $3,018.73.
Police services were added to the program in September 2024. In the final four months of the year, the city issued 10 subsidies for employment-related administrative services and two for volunteer-related record checks. Total subsidies for police services came to $510.75.
In 2025, AFA program costs are expected to hit $563,000, compared to a budgeted amount of $299,175. The $263,825 shortfall will be reviewed as part of the City’s first-quarter variance report.
No changes to eligibility thresholds or program structure were proposed in the 2024 update. However, administration noted that usage continues to grow and is expected to place additional pressure on operating budgets.
The Airdrie Fair Access program is governed by the City’s Fair Access Policy (P-COM-67-C) and aligns with the Social Policy (COM-72-C), specifically the principle of equitable access to quality services. It also supports Council’s Caring Community focus area.
The report states that increased enrolment and uptake indicate the City is reducing barriers and helping more residents participate in community life.
According to administration, the program contributes to social well-being and helps low-income residents access essential services.
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