Airdrie Minute: Issue 68

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

📅 This Week In Airdrie: 📅

• City Council unanimously approved amendments to the Community Standards Bylaw to address rising concerns over unsightly and nuisance properties. The updates aim to close enforcement gaps, align with provincial legislation, and improve clarity in definitions, especially for vacant lots and nuisance complaints. Key changes include a new process for issuing remedial orders and a severity-based classification table with a fine multiplier system. Complaints about unsightly properties have surged to nearly 200 this year, up from just 38 last year. Mayor Peter Brown and other Councillors expressed frustration with the condition of vacant lots and emphasized the need for more proactive enforcement. The City also plans to use practicum students to help with property inspections. Council members praised municipal enforcement efforts but suggested additional resources may be needed to meet demand.
  
  
• Council has delayed a decision on Habitat for Humanity’s $275,000 funding request for its Bayview project until September 2025. This marks Habitat’s second funding appeal to the City for the same project. Some Councillors questioned why the City should commit local reserve funds without stronger efforts to secure provincial or federal contributions. Staff confirmed the Affordable Housing Reserve Fund still has $1.49 million, but noted that funding non-market housing is increasingly challenging without support from other governments. Habitat’s CEO said new provincial funding has not yet been secured, but local backing could help make the case for more provincial support. Council will revisit the request after a legal review later this year, while stressing the need to balance local affordable housing needs with careful reserve spending.
  
  
• The City of Airdrie is urging residents and businesses to help reduce outdoor water use as warm summer weather pushes demand higher. Airdrie, like more than 10 municipalities, depends on the Bow and Elbow Rivers for its drinking water supply. With long-term forecasts predicting hot, dry conditions, the City wants everyone to stick to the year-round watering schedule, use rain barrels, sweep instead of spraying patios and driveways, and water lawns early or late to limit evaporation. Mayor Peter Brown says every small action counts toward protecting Airdrie’s future water supply. The City also says it follows the same watering limits it asks of residents. Since 2019, a popular rain barrel program has helped residents conserve, but the 2025 program is already sold out. If there are new mandatory restrictions, they will be posted online.
  
  
• Jay Raymundo has announced he will run again for Airdrie City Council and filed his nomination papers last week. This will be his second municipal election campaign after he lost by only 90 votes last time. Raymundo says his decision comes from his strong connection to Airdrie, where his family lives, works, and goes to school, and where he runs a small business. He wants to be a voice for newcomers and the city’s diverse community, explaining that many people are still unsure how to speak up or get involved. If elected, Raymundo hopes to hold more town halls and work with Council, the Province and builders to plan growth more sustainably. Several other residents have announced they will run as well. Nomination papers must be filed by noon on September 22, with election day set for October 20th.
  
  
• Amanda Hiebert has been named the first Executive Director of the Airdrie Arts & Culture Council. Hiebert, who has spent decades advocating for the arts, says she looks forward to expanding connections and opportunities for artists and cultural groups across Airdrie. The Council, formed in 2023, officially became the AACC last July and aims to boost the city’s creative scene through support, advocacy and programming. As a founding board member and experienced arts educator, Hiebert hopes to strengthen ties with local businesses, reach underrepresented groups and launch new projects. The AACC’s free artist directory and membership program are already helping creatives connect and grow. Hiebert says now is the time to build a lasting legacy that makes Airdrie a vibrant place to live and create.
   

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

With people starting to announce their runs for Council, we want to know what you think - is there anyone who has caught your eye as a promising candidate? 

Hit reply and let us know who you’re watching and why!

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