City of AirdrieState of the City Address

The Airdrie Chamber of 

Commerce had another amazing year growing business in our community

City of AirdrieStrategic Priorities

•Growth Management•Infrastructure Management•Community Well‐Being•Collaborative Relationships•Organizational Excellence•Environment

From April to August, 2008 over 300 Airdrie residents participated in an enVision Airdrie survey. Based on the survey results, a community vision was created. Airdrie’s new community vision is:

Airdrie is a vibrant, caring community rich in urban amenities and opportunities for everyone.  

We value a healthy, sustainable environment

connecting people and places.

Airdrie’s Centennial

•Airdrie Centennial Bookon sale now!

•Centennial merchandise on sale now!

•Posters and Postcards

•Homecoming Weekend: September 10 – 13, 2009

•Centennial Concert Series

Growth

Despite economic downturn, this year was full of growth and development

Population GrowthPopulation grew to 34,116, at a rate of 8.26 per cent.

Airdrie Facts

• Population = 34,116 – 7.5% avg. annual growth 

over 5 years

• Median Family Income is $83,271 (2006)– Calgary=$77,658

• Business Growth = 12%– 2314 Business Licenses

• 250 business‐related inquiries in 2008

Airdrie 30-Year Growth Projections

Business Growth12% increase in number of business licenses

Airdrie Business Licenses by Category, 2008

Category # of Business Licenses Issued

% of all Businesses

% of all Airdrie-based Businesses

Commercial or Industrial Business 607 26 43Home-Based Business 760 33 54Massage Therapist Practitioner 48 2 3Non-resident (out-of-town) business 899 39 n/aTotal 2314 100 100

Source: C ity of Airdrie Business Licensing

Airdrie Economic Indicators 

2005 ‐ 2008

Inventory of Major Airdrie Projects

Project Sector/Company Name Project DescriptionCost in Millions

Construction Schedule

Renascence Developments Corp 'The Edge' Apartment Complex $30.0 2008-2010

City of AirdrieGenesis Place (formerly East Lake Recreation and Wellness Centre (ELRWC)) Phase 2

$28.2 2008-2009

The Tarjan Group Two Apartment Buildings $25.5 2008-2009First Capital Realty Redevelopment of Towerlane Mall $20.0 2008-2009Alberta Infrastructure Elementary School (K to Grade 6) $14.5 2008-2009

Jade Developments'Copperstone Village' Residential / Commercial Building

$11.8 2008-2009

City of Airdrie'Chinook Winds' Regional Waste Management Facility, Park and Operations Centre

$11.4

City of Airdrie New West Side AES Station $10.8 2009Focus Hotels $6.5 2008-2009McArthur Fine Furniture New Store $5.2 2008-2009

Alberta Transportation Yankee Valley Blvd / Highway Interchange $5.2 2008-2010

Source: Alberta Finance & Enterprise

The inventory lists construction projects in Airdrie valued at $5 million or greater that are planned, underway or have recently

been completed

On‐line permit and license information system

Celebrating Business Excellence

City Roads

2008 completed road projects: • Paving of 8 street • Urbanized north side of Veterans Blvd 

– QEII Interchange to Main St • Urbanized south side of Yankee Valley 

Boulevard – 8th street to Coopers• Completed roadway rehabilitation on 

many other roads• Begun improvements at the south 

underpass

City Parks2008 Highlights•Installed a Central Irrigation System

•New playgrounds •Over 200 trees planted in Airdrie –increasing the number of trees planedannually by the City and developers       (10,000 city trees)•4 new ball diamonds added to Chinook Winds•Participated in Nose Creek Park  Rehabilitation•East Lake Enhancement project: improving storm water quality and  beautifying the park •Using bio‐engineered berms vegetated with deep root species along Nose Creek•Bio‐swales in industrial parks to reducerun‐off volume and improve water quality•75% completion of trail “ring road” around the city to allow for greater walking/cycling 

Parks 2009

•New playgrounds•Historical markers and  interpretive signs•New tree plantings•Upgrading pathways•Fletcher Park improvements•Continuation of East Lake Enhancement Project•Chinook Winds Park Project

Chinook Winds Park Project• First‐class recreation  destination

•Skateboard park

•Trails

•Playgrounds

•Other recreational amenities

Developing Community

• Twinning Program

• Affordable HousingAirdrie Housing Ltd.

• Youth

This spring, we honoured Airdrie’s volunteers:

•Leader of Tomorrow Award: Shani Schierholtz

•Ambassador Award: Effrossini Tzigalanis

•Soul of Airdrie Award: Jennifer Ingram

•Volunteer Advocate Award: Citizens on Patrol 

Volunteer of the Year 

Community Safety

• Anti‐Vandalism committee 

• Airdrie Emergency Services

• Municipal Enforcement  

• Recycling in Airdrie2,437 metric tonnes of material were recycled, which is equal to:

‐ 1,291 passenger vehicles off the road‐ Over 3 million litres of gas consumed‐ Electricity use of 978 homes in one  

year

• Alberta Waste and Recycling ‐ contracted to run the transfer site 

• Integrated Solid Waste Management Strategy 

Environment & Sustainability

Youth Environmental Stewardship Award

R.J. Hawkey Elementary School Grade 4 Tree Huggers