Airdrie Minute: New School, Grant Funding, and Public Art Debates

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

This Week In Airdrie:

• There will be a Council Meeting on Tuesday, at 1:00 pm. The meeting begins with a Public hearing to address rezoning about 24.91 hectares of land in the Key Ranch Neighbourhood. Council will then be presented with an update on the implementation of Airdrie’s 2024 to 2030 Affordable Housing Principled Action Plan, as well as an outline of the newly approved Clean Energy Improvement Plan funding.
  
  
• Mayor Peter Brown is thanking residents for their cooperation during the recent water restrictions, which were lifted last week. With the system now stabilized and reservoirs refilled, residents are free to resume regular water activities, like washing their cars. Calgary successfully connected the Bearspaw South feeder main to the city's water distribution system, ensuring the supply is secure. During the second phase of restrictions, Airdrie aimed for a 25% reduction in water usage but achieved 28%.
  
  
• The deadline for non-profits to apply for the Community Recreation and Culture Funding Grant through Rocky View County is tomorrow. This grant is awarded biannually, with cycles beginning in March and October. In the most recent spring funding round, 55 organizations applied, resulting in approximately $2.6 million distributed. Accepted applications will be reviewed by the Recreation Governance Committee, and applicants will be notified in writing regarding the Committee's decision. Interested organizations can apply online here.

Last Week In Airdrie:

• Last week, Airdrie Postmaster Jacqueline Scott and her team presented a $25,000 cheque to the Airdrie Public Library. This funding will support the APL STEAM Engines: Makers on the Go! project, designed to provide children and youth with materials that promote meaningful learning through play and creativity. The funds are part of a grant awarded by Canada Post to support local organizations.
  
  
• The Community and Corporate Services Standing Committee has decided that the revised Public Art Policy is not yet ready to be presented to City Council. During a recent meeting, Committee members discussed the policy's potential to provide sustainable funding and guiding principles for enhancing the city's art scene. Concerns were raised regarding bureaucratic complexities, the role of the newly formed Airdrie Arts and Culture Council, and limitations on artist criteria that might exclude talented amateur artists. The proposed policy includes allocating 1% of construction budgets for eligible capital projects to public art, but Committee members expressed reservations about this funding model and its implications. The Committee ultimately requested further revisions and additional information.
  
  
• The Calgary Catholic School District said it will begin construction on a new elementary/junior high school in Airdrie, following the Province's announcement of the School Construction Accelerator Program. The school, planned for the Chinook Gate area, will be part of the 2025 - 2028 Capital Plan, with an estimated cost of approximately $33.68 million. Overall, the province plans to launch up to 30 new schools and add modular classroom spaces to meet increasing demands across Alberta.