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Airdrie council’s 2025 mid-year update on its 2023–26 focus areas outlines progress on economic development and housing while confirming the Yankee Valley rail underpass is now scheduled for 2029.
The update is before council Sept. 16 as a consent agenda item “for information.” Corporate Strategy manager Shelly Weihmann wrote in the agenda note that “Corporate Strategy is providing the 2025 Council Focus Areas mid-year update report for information” and that “updates are reported twice a year to Council, at mid-year and year-end.”
The 28-slide attachment details milestones across council’s six priority areas.
Transportation
Audible crosswalks were installed along Main Street in June and are fully operational. Another 18 intersections are scheduled to be upgraded over the next two years.
The 40th Avenue interchange has been completed and opened. A safety audit of high-collision intersections is finished, with recommendations under review.
Design and modelling for Yankee Valley Boulevard improvements continue. Construction of grade separation under the CPKC has been moved to 2029 in the 10-year capital plan. Staff are still evaluating the timing of other arterial upgrades.
The Transportation Master Plan is complete and was presented to the Community Infrastructure & Strategic Growth committee in June. Suggested improvements are included in the Off-Site Levy for major roadways.
Economic development and downtown
The update records $262,950 in grant funding secured from provincial and federal programs for projects running through 2028.
It lists 48 new commercial and industrial business licences issued so far this year.
Business support initiatives included:
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The launch of The Cashflow Canvas, which trained 48 entrepreneurs, mentors and partners.
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Two entrepreneurs joining the SMARTstart program.
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Two Mentor Meet Up events and mentor training sessions.
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A commercial leasing session with 14 businesses.
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Sponsorship of four business events, including the Amazing Airdrie Women entrepreneur awards and the chamber’s leadership conference.
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Hosting of the annual Banking and Business Professionals Café.
Work on a business retention and expansion plan is underway and expected to finish in the third quarter.
Tourism projects included a Sport Tourism Strategy with engagement from 33 organizations, sponsorship of The Grizzly Classic, March Madness Jamboree and an inaugural disc golf tournament, and a destination marketing campaign. The city also partnered with the Airdrie Pro Rodeo on an impact study and is developing a Film Friendly Policy.
On investment attraction, the report points to:
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A memorandum of understanding with seven municipalities to form Invest Greater Calgary.
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Promotions at real estate and industry shows.
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Marketing campaigns on Google, LinkedIn and newsletters.
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New investments such as FortisAlberta’s operations centre, Global Citrus Group’s distribution centre and phase one of South Point Village commercial.
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A Retail Demand and Forecast Report, which included an extensive consumer survey, has been completed, with sector identification work underway.
Downtown highlights included:
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A new policy for growth along the rail line and a comprehensive parking study.
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An updated Downtown Incentives Program, with four projects approved.
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A new Downtown Banner Program.
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Events such as Cocoa Trail Downtown and Canada Day, which “attracted hundreds of visitors, increasing foot traffic and boosting sales for participating businesses.”
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Engagement with 111 of 164 downtown businesses through visits, a breakfast mixer and a lunch-and-learn.
Housing and caring community
The city is conducting a Social Needs Assessment to identify strengths, needs and service gaps. The survey asks what residents like most about Airdrie, what the top social issues are, what services are needed and what barriers exist to accessing them.
Engagement has included surveys, an open house, coffee chats and focus groups. A full report back is expected in late 2025.
Council endorsed a three-year Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Path Forward in January 2024. Current milestones focus on awareness and training under the Belonging, Equity, Accessibility and Diversity Strategy. A Building Belonging Microgrant was launched this year to support projects that bring residents together.
In April, the Community Safety and Social Services committee reviewed the FCSS 2026–2028 Funding Strategy. Applications have closed, with recommendations scheduled for Sept. 9.
The Airdrie Board of Youth Affairs became a council advisory committee in 2024 and continues to collaborate on youth engagement.
The Extreme Weather Action Collective formed in December 2023 to coordinate services during cold snaps.
Council also received the Indigenous Framework and Action Plan on July 2, 2025. Evaluation results are due July 2026. A Land Acknowledgement Policy and Indigenous Initiatives Grant Funding Policy are to be presented later this year.
On housing, the city advanced its 2024–2030 Affordable Housing Principled Action Plan. The Affordable Housing Capital Investment Plan aims to create 195 new below-market homes by 2030, “designed to be financially sustainable without increasing the City’s corporate debt ceiling.”
The update says the city met requirements under the Housing Accelerator Fund Action Plan and received the second instalment of federal funding, bringing its total to $12.4 million of $24 million “aimed at supporting housing initiatives.”
Other initiatives included a public education campaign with monthly prompts from April through July, and a housing report card is expected by year-end. The update says inter-department and regional collaboration continues on housing.
Recreation and culture
The Inspire/Airdrie multi-use facility and library shifted in June toward exterior concrete, paving and landscaping while interior finishes continued. Concrete around the exterior public art piece was completed in early July. Domes and dishes for the interior artwork are manufactured and waiting to be shipped, with installation scheduled for Sept. 12. The facility is on schedule to open to the public that month.
For the southwest recreation facility, council endorsed a site master plan and functional report in the second quarter. An RFP for design services is being posted in the third quarter, with concept options to return by year-end.
At the northeast regional park, Phase 1A was completed by the end of 2024. Phase 1B is on track for completion this fall. Detailed design for Phase 2 is expected in 2025, with construction proposed for 2027 pending budget approval.
Environment
The Water Conservation, Efficiency and Productivity Plan has been updated.
The report says average monthly per capita daily use of potable water was 228.1 litres between January and June, significantly below the normal range. The reduction is attributed to rainfall and conservation practices.
The Green Fleet Strategy has been endorsed, setting short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals for city vehicles.
Airdrie is also participating in a multi-jurisdictional assessment of zero-emission buses, with updates promised as milestones are met.
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