Airdrie Minute: Community Facilities, Policing Issues, and Recreation Center Timeline

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

This Week In Airdrie:

• There will be a meeting of City Council on Tuesday at 10:00 am. The meeting begins with a closed session, wherein Council will discuss a partnership opportunity and a land purchase. At 1:00 pm, there will be a Public Hearing to address a proposed land use bylaw amendment. After that, the agenda includes a new Public Art Policy, enhancements to the Veterans Memorial project, and amendments to the User Fees and Charges Policy.
  
  
• Airdrie RCMP are prioritizing fentanyl enforcement following the Province’s recent push for enhanced measures against illicit drugs. At a recent Policing Town Hall, the City confirmed that Airdrie’s Peace Officers had been asked to collaborate more closely with RCMP in tackling the crisis. While specifics on local plans and resources remain unclear, the City says that municipal enforcement already works closely with RCMP through shared facilities, joint briefings, and coordinated operations. The provincial government has called on 34 municipalities, including Airdrie, to integrate community Peace Officers and municipal police, aiming for seamless coordination in response efforts.
  
  
• Airdrie’s Citizens on Patrol (COP) is seeking new volunteers to help monitor the community as crime prevention efforts continue. The local chapter has seen membership decline from 20 volunteers before the pandemic to just six active members. COP members commit to one patrol per month, always in pairs, and focus on observing and reporting suspicious activity rather than direct intervention. Patrols cover parks, businesses, and construction sites, with volunteers assisting at community events as well. Prospective members must complete a background check, interview process, and ride-along before officially joining. More information is available online.

Last Week In Airdrie:

• A recent assessment of Airdrie’s community facilities found that aging infrastructure, space limitations, and the need for upgrades are key concerns among residents. The Nose Creek Valley Museum remains a popular venue due to its affordability, while the Town and Country Centre continues to be widely used for events and private functions. Survey results showed that only 22% of residents are satisfied with the city's facilities, with many emphasizing the need for flexible and multipurpose spaces. The study also highlighted that Airdrie lacks large-scale social gathering venues compared to similar-sized communities. The final report, set to be presented on April 1st, will outline potential investment options to address these needs.
  
  
• Airdrie’s recent policing town hall covered issues such as traffic enforcement, crime trends, and RCMP accountability. Residents expressed frustration over speeding, excessive vehicle noise, and school zone enforcement, with officials confirming that these concerns would be prioritized. Discussions also highlighted growing worries about youth crime, drug use, and public disturbances, prompting RCMP to emphasize their focus on illicit drug enforcement and safety programs. Concerns about RCMP misconduct were addressed, with officials acknowledging past issues and emphasizing ongoing reforms, including the implementation of body cameras. Mental health-related calls are increasing, and Airdrie is working toward a Police and Crisis Team (PACT) model to enhance crisis response.
  
  
• Residents expressed frustration over the lengthy timeline for the Southwest Recreation Centre, which will take nearly two decades from land purchase in 2018 to full completion in 2035. While Phase One, including pools and fitness spaces, is set to open in 2028, arenas and a field house will not be ready until years later, sparking concerns that the project is not keeping pace with the city’s rapid population growth. The City is currently gathering public input on the project’s site master plan, which Council will finalize this year.