Airdrie Minute: Organics Schedule, Secondary Suites, and a Tax Increase Proposed

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

This Week In Airdrie:

• There will be a meeting of City Council on Tuesday at 11:00 am, beginning with a closed session. During the closed portion of the meeting, Council will discuss a land purchase, a contract update, and a budget amendment. At 1:00 pm, there will be a public hearing to address amendments to the bylaw governing secondary suites. Proposed amendments include allowing secondary suites on smaller lots and in semi-detached dwellings, and allowing garden suites and garage suites in more residential districts. When the hearing concludes, Council will receive an update on the execution of the City’s Downtown Incentives Program as well as discuss whether or not to allow the public to book Council chambers.
  
  
• Airdrie's organics recycling program is now on a bi-weekly pickup schedule to reflect the reduced volume of organic waste during the winter months. The change is aimed at cost-saving measures, as winter volumes drop significantly once yard cleanups are completed in the fall. Although organics collection will occur every other week from November to March, garbage and blue bin recycling will continue on a weekly basis. Residents can check the pickup schedule on the City’s website and sign up for reminders through their MyAirdrie account.
  
  
• If you have leftover Halloween pumpkins, Whispering Winds Farms, located near Didsbury, says their pigs will happily enjoy them. Co-owner Kelly Worthington, who manages Canada’s second-largest Kunekune pig breeding operation, says that the pigs love pumpkins as treats. Currently, the farm houses around 200 pasture pigs, each weighing between 250 to 400 pounds. To ensure the pumpkins are safe for the pigs, donors should remove candles and avoid any plastic or chemical paints. Donations can be dropped off at The Farm Table in Carstairs, or visitors can bring their pumpkins directly to the farm and feed the pigs themselves.

Last Week In Airdrie:

• The City has proposed a budget for 2025 that includes a $228.7 million operating budget and a $175.1 million capital budget. The plan suggests a 7.5% tax increase, aimed at generating an additional $6.2 million to support services like public safety, transit, and recreational facilities. Notable allocations include $1.1 million for the RCMP, $374,000 for transit improvements, and funds for community projects such as the Southwest Recreation Centre and Inspire Facility. Council will deliberate the budget this month.
  
  
• Airdrie's e-scooter season wrapped up with riders logging 51,300 kilometers in 2024. The average trip covered 2.52 kilometers and lasted just over 13 minutes. A survey revealed that more than 90% of users felt the e-scooters improved mobility, reduced congestion, and enhanced air quality, although safety concerns persist regarding their placement on sidewalks. The survey also noted that 52% of trips replaced car journeys. There are plans for Neuron e-scooters to return in 2025.
  
  
• Airdrie has received a $7,500 grant from FortisAlberta to support a lighting retrofit project at Plainsmen Arena. The upgrade focuses on enhancing energy efficiency by replacing existing fluorescent fixtures with modern LED systems in various areas of the arena, including the lobby and restrooms. The new lighting is expected to reduce energy consumption by approximately 65% and includes dimming capabilities and occupancy sensors for additional savings during off-peak hours. The overall renovation cost is $17,000.