Airdrie Minute: Issue 74

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

📅 This Week In Airdrie: 📅

• The Airdrie Public Library has begun the process of moving its collection to the new Inspire facility, a major transition involving the relocation of 80,000 items from a 16,000-square-foot building. As part of the move, library hours have been reduced and services are being scaled back, with printing already ended, computer access limited, and in-person borrowing set to stop by the end of August. Despite these changes, some services such as book returns, holds pickup, limited computer use, and account services will remain available until September 23rd. Earlier this year, the library reached its $1.5-million fundraising goal to expand its collection for the new facility. Officials say they remain on track to secure all planned materials. The success of the campaign was credited to strong community support from local residents, businesses, and partners. Inspire is expected to officially open its doors in early October.
  
  
• An Airdrie daycare owner and long-time resident has entered the race for a seat on City Council. After running a preschool program from her home for six years, Rekha Mehay recently opened a commercial daycare called Little Learners. She explained that her decision to run was inspired by challenges she faced while starting her business, such as dealing with parking and zoning issues, and realizing how accessible Council members could be in helping solve such problems. Having lived in Airdrie for 11 years, she hopes to use her background in education and entrepreneurship to advocate for both local businesses and young people. She emphasized the importance of giving Airdrie’s youth a stronger voice in community matters, saying teenagers should feel more included. 
  
  
• With the municipal election approaching, Airdrie has yet to see any candidates file to run for Mayor, though the nomination deadline remains open until September 22nd. Ten candidates have officially filed for Council, while five others have submitted intent notices but not yet filed their papers. The 2021 election saw voter turnout at just over 22%. This year, some familiar names from past elections are returning to the ballot. We'll be sending surveys to all of the candidates and publishing their answers for you to read!
  
  
• Three Airdrie musicians have been awarded provincial Music Individual Project grants for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Brad Fleischer of the country-rock duo Flaysher received $15,000 to support his work as the group’s lead vocalist and guitarist. Celine Simard, who performs under the stage name “Celin” and is a former member of the Young Canadians of the Calgary Stampede, received $3,185. Pianist Tong Wang, founder of the Windwood Music Festival, was awarded $12,800. 
  
  
• As Airdrie’s population grows and the lack of a local hospital creates challenges, the Drive Happiness program is helping seniors access vital transportation, particularly for medical appointments in Calgary. Since its launch through a partnership with Volunteer Airdrie in 2020, the organization has provided roughly 7,000 rides, with 87% dedicated to healthcare-related trips. In 2025 alone, over 800 rides originated in Airdrie, with additional trips from nearby communities like Crossfield and Rocky View County. The program relies on a steady group of about 28 volunteers, who support both local errands and longer medical journeys, logging thousands of kilometres each month. Demand for the service continues to rise, with new applications arriving weekly. Funding comes from provincial and federal governments, community foundations, local donations, and service clubs. Founded in Edmonton in 1996, Drive Happiness has since expanded across much of Alberta.
   

🚨 This Week’s Action Item: 🚨

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