Airdrie Minute: Deferred Decision, Mayoral Reflections, and Happy New Year

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

This Week In Airdrie:

• There are no Council or Committee meetings this week. Regularly scheduled meetings will resume in the new year.
  
  
• Tuesday is New Year’s Eve! A fireworks show will take place at Ed Eggerer Athletic Park at 6:30 pm. Free accessible shuttles, stroller-friendly and offering light-up foam cheer sticks to the first 200 riders, will operate from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Parking will be limited at Genesis Place, with overflow available at Ron Ebbeson Arena, and traffic will be directed post-event by RCMP and enforcement officers. To continue the celebrations, Genesis Place will host free skating on New Year's Day.
  
  
• As we ring in the New Year, we’re reflecting on the work we’ve accomplished and the challenges ahead. To kick off 2025 strong, we’ve set a goal to raise $5,000 by midnight on December 31st. This crucial fundraiser will ensure we can continue our mission in the coming year. If you’ve valued our efforts and want to see us achieve even more, please consider making a donation today. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference, and we’re incredibly thankful for your support. Click here to donate and help us start the year on the right foot. Thank you and Happy New Year!

Last Week In Airdrie:

• Mayor Peter Brown reflected on the City’s ability to manage its rapid growth in population, which reached 85,000 residents in 2024. He cited infrastructure upgrades, such as the 40th Avenue bridge, the new multipurpose library building, and progress on the Northeast Regional Park as well as affordable housing initiatives as achievements. Efforts to address growth pressures also focused on expanding water and sewer capacity, modernizing garbage collection, and approving a new southwest recreation centre. On affordability, Mayor Brown said the City utilized federal Housing Accelerator Fund investments to diversify housing options while reducing the 2025 budget by $2.3 million. He also encouraged community members interested in running in the 2025 municipal election to reach out to him - or other Council members - with any questions. Mayor Brown has yet to announce whether or not he will run for re-election.
  
  
• Council deferred a recommendation regarding the North Highland Park development during its last meeting. Administration had advised against pursuing changes to zoning or land use policies, citing a lack of resources, limited landowner interest, and the project’s exclusion from the City’s ten-year capital plan. Significant infrastructure upgrades, estimated at $40 million to $153 million, would be required to support urban development in the area. Additional challenges include the need for transportation improvements and compliance with regional growth plans. Urban servicing for North Highland Park is not expected until around 2065, though timelines may adjust as the Utilities Master Plan evolves. Council will revisit the recommendation in January.
  
  
• Airdrie students participating in this year’s Building Futures program showcased their progress during a recent site dedication. Building Futures, a Grade 10 academic program partnered with McKee Homes, combines traditional subjects with hands-on construction experience as students help build homes under the guidance of tradespeople. One home has reached the drywall stage, while another has completed plumbing, electrical, and HVAC rough-ins.