Airdrie Minute: Issue 70

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

📅 This Week In Airdrie: 📅

• The City of Airdrie is facing ongoing issues related to overstrength effluent entering its sewer system, which has led to backups and costly maintenance. Recent sewer backups in residential areas downstream of businesses like car washes revealed significant sand and silt buildup, despite recent flushing. The City estimates it cost $4,100 to resolve one such backup, and without improved controls, further disruptions and maintenance costs are likely. The City’s Industrial Monitoring program is meant to track and reduce overstrength waste from industrial, commercial, and institutional users, as this effluent can damage infrastructure and pose safety risks due to toxic gases like hydrogen sulfide. A special meeting was held on July 22nd so that Councillors could ask questions about a bylaw which aims to address effluent limits and rates. Mayor Peter Brown called it the most complex bylaw he’s seen in 15 years. Ultimately, they delayed making a final decision and will return to the issue at a later date.
  
  
• The City has completed its Veterans Memorial Project along Veterans Boulevard, creating a permanent tribute to Canadian Veterans. The project was developed in partnership with the Royal Canadian Legion #288 Airdrie and ANAVET, and honours the stories of local veterans from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Indigenous communities. The memorial features 22 metal light pole banners, 30 bridge railing panels, two artistic benches, two life-sized silhouette sculptures, and a nautical flagpole. It stretches from Main Street to 8 Street and is intended as a year-round space for remembrance and reflection. A formal dedication ceremony is planned for September 20th. The Government of Alberta contributed $55,000 to the project through the Community Initiatives Grant Program. Mayor Peter Brown emphasized the memorial’s role in honouring the courage and sacrifice of those who served.
  
  
• Mayor Peter Brown has not yet decided whether he will seek a fifth term in the upcoming municipal election. While there was speculation he might announce his intentions at the Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament, Brown told reporters he’s still “50/50” and plans to make a final decision in August. Brown has served as Mayor since 2010 and is currently in his fourth term. The next municipal election in Airdrie is scheduled for October 20th.
  
  
• Speaking of the annual Mayor’s Charity Golf Tournament - the sixth iteration was held on July 25th at Woodside Golf Course, with all proceeds going to the Airdrie Food Bank. Participants played 18 holes following a 9:00 am shotgun start, followed by a banquet and live and silent auctions. Lori McRitchie, Executive Director of the Food Bank, thanked attendees and noted the food bank supports about 800 users weekly, many of whom are local neighbours reluctant to seek help. The tournament aims to raise funds for local nonprofits and has become a yearly tradition.
  
  
• Rocky View County has adopted a new Agriculture Master Plan to guide agricultural growth and land use from 2026 to 2036. The plan builds on the original 2011 strategy and reflects input from producers and community members gathered through surveys, workshops, and conversations. Key priorities include preserving farmland, supporting producers, encouraging innovation, and improving rural infrastructure. The plan also proposes flexible housing options, better transportation for farm equipment, balancing renewable energy with farmland preservation, and promoting agri-tourism and agri-business. The plan also includes enhancing public education and staff training to better support the farming community.
   

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

More information is now available about the 2025 Airdrie municipal election schedule.

Advance voting will be held at various times and locations from October 6th to 17th. Election Day is October 20th.

Visit the City's website to start making a voting plan:

🪙 This Week’s Sponsor: 🪙

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