Airdrie Minute: Affordable Housing, Arena Closure, and a New School Announced

Airdrie Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Airdrie politics

This Week In Airdrie:

• There will be a Council Meeting on Tuesday at 1:00 pm. The meeting will begin with a Public Hearing to gather feedback on the rezoning of a property at 516 Centre Avenue NE from a Service Commercial District to a Neighbourhood Mixed Use District. Deputy Mayor Spearman will proclaim February 23rd to March 1st, 2025 as Freedom to Read Week in Airdrie, and Council will discuss enhancements to the Veterans Memorial Project.
  
  
• Ron Ebbesen Twin Arena in Airdrie will temporarily close on March 1st for mid-life upgrades aimed at extending the facility's lifespan and improving accessibility. Planned renovations include replacing the ice pads and refrigeration system, upgrading spectator seating, and installing new arena boards, glass, and safety netting. The project will also introduce enhanced flooring in the lobby and dressing areas, allowing skaters to put on gear outside of locker rooms. A new dry pad mini-rink will be added to the lobby, providing an additional activity space for visitors. To minimize disruption, Genesis Place and Plainsmen Arena will remain open for community and rental use. The upgrades, partially funded through the Canada Community Building Fund, are set to be completed by October 15th.
  
  
• Airdrie’s hockey community will honour Ryan Couling by retiring his #8 jersey in a special event on February 23rd at Ron Ebbesen Arena. The tribute replaces the annual U18AA tournament and coincides with the final regular-season games for Airdrie’s U18AA teams. Couling, who passed away in 2022 from a rare liver cancer, was known for his resilience and leadership. The event will include the Warrior Award, a silent auction, and a 50/50 raffle to support the Fibrolamellar Cancer Foundation. A separate fundraiser at Balzac Brewery on February 21st will feature live music and auction items.

Last Week In Airdrie:

• Council approved a request from the Rocky View Foundation (RVF) to use $163,194 to create a capital reserve fund for affordable housing. This request does not affect Airdrie's 2025 municipal budget and aligns with RVF’s goal to address the local shortage of non-market affordable housing. The reserve fund may support projects in Airdrie or other municipalities, as RVF is involved in multiple housing initiatives. Some Council members did express concerns about ensuring the funds are used for Airdrie's needs.
  
  
• Council received an update on the pre-design work for the Southwest Recreation Centre, which includes developing a Site Master Plan and Functional Program. The City is planning a public engagement period from late February to mid-March, to offer residents both in-person and online opportunities to provide feedback on design options. Sports groups have already been consulted to identify the needs of athletes, and an Indigenous engagement strategy is being developed for future stages of the project. The design phase will continue through Q2, with construction slated to begin in 2026 and the first phase expected to open by mid-2028.
  
  
• The Alberta government announced 11 new schools, including a high school in Airdrie’s Southwest Prairie Springs. The investment is part of an $8.6 billion commitment to new schools and renovations. Fiona Gilbert, chair of Rocky View Schools, expressed gratitude, emphasizing that the new facilities will help ease overcrowding in two rapidly growing communities. Additional schools were announced for Calgary, Okotoks, Chestermere and Edmonton.