Council

Councillor

6 To Be Elected

Tomisin (Tomi) Adenipekun: I’ve worked in engineering, product management, and policy, where I led teams, managed multimillion-dollar projects, and delivered results by maximizing efficiency. These roles sharpened my skills in budgeting, data-driven decision making, and ensuring accountability ;skills I’ll bring to managing city resources responsibly.

Christopher Bakke: I bring a diverse range of experience to the table—from serving in the Canadian Forces and working within the federal government, to my current role as an educator and digital storyteller. Each chapter has shaped how I approach leadership: with integrity, practicality, and a deep respect for the people I serve. In the Forces, I learned discipline, accountability, and how to work under pressure while keeping the mission—and the people—at the center. In government, I saw firsthand how policy impacts everyday lives, and how important it is to communicate clearly and act transparently. As an educator, I’ve learned how to listen, adapt, and make complex ideas accessible to diverse audiences. These experiences have taught me how to solve problems collaboratively, respect professional boundaries, and stay grounded in real-world impact. I believe these skills are essential for a City Councillor—especially in a growing city like Airdrie, where we need thoughtful, inclusive leadership that puts people first. I’m not running to be a politician—I’m running to be a public servant. And I’m ready to bring my experience to the table with humility, clarity, and a commitment to building a better Airdrie.

Darrell Belyk: No response.

Kurt Bigoraj: I have over 15 years of direct supervision over large working groups, I also have over 10 years of oil and gas sales experience managing large value accounts. from working in oil and gas over the years I have purchased a grain farm 7 years ago I currently run and manage our family farm. I feel with my experience of managing people managing large value accounts and well as operating our farm I feel I have the experience required to represent the city of Airdrie residents

Darrin Budzak: No response.

Ron Chapman: No response.

Craig Dansereau: I work full time in the oil & gas industry. My experience includes 25 years of public consultation and stakeholder engagement, advocating for and negotiating for what people want. I have served on financial audit committees for private and public companies and I have been trained on boardroom financials from the Haskayne School of Business as part of their Board of Director's training program. Lastly, my experience developing industrial properties includes working with and receiving approvals from the Federal, Provincial and Municipal levels of government. I have also successfully received funding from the Federal and Provincial governments for some of these projects.

Chris Glass: No response.

Kaur Inderjeet: No response.

Al Jones: I have owned multiple businesses, all successful, in Airdrie with Airdrie employees. I believe my business background helps me vet capital projects by considering operational costs once a project comes to fruition. It also gives me the experience of coming up with creative solutions when new challenges arise

Candice Kolson: I have been a local entrepreneur since 2009. I am a 3rd Term councillor and feel I have a good grasp on the historic decisions in Airdrie as well as during my time on council how and why decisions have been made or deferred.

Kathlene McCuaig: I have experience in the automotive, information technology, pharmacy operation, medical industry and human resources. I have typically been responsible for large budgets in excess of $40M for a geographical territory or departmental allocation. I have literally worked with every personality, hierarchy and stakeholder you could imagine during my career. It has always been a priority to make voices heard and gain consensus, without comprimising the primary goals.

Rekha Mehay: No response.

Anthony Morvillo: No response.

Simisola Obasan: No response.

Jay Raymundo: As a small business owner in Airdrie since 2006 and an F45 franchisee since 2018, I’ve built teams, managed budgets, and served clients with integrity and accountability. My leadership roles as Co-Chair of Welcoming Airdrie, executive board member of the Airdrie Regional Chamber of Commerce, and volunteer across school councils and seniors programs—have given me deep insight into the needs of families, newcomers, youth, and small businesses. These experiences have shaped my collaborative, solution-focused approach. I understand how to listen, build consensus, and take action. I’ve proposed inclusive initiatives like Culture Fest and Taste of Nations, and I’m currently helping launch NEXT GEN to empower youth. I bring hands-on leadership, fiscal responsibility, and a strong commitment to building a more connected, inclusive Airdrie. I've supported local small businesses by creating the NRG Fitness Wellness Fair and supported local charities with my NRG Fitness Hustle for Mental Health Father's Day Run

Maulik Shah: Experience, skills that qualifies me to represent Airdrie residents on Airdrie City Council is my deep commitment to community service, demonstrated through my organization of weekly free food drives, free clothes drive, and free dental camp in partnership with local nonprofit organizations like the Airdrie Food Bank and Volunteers Airdrie. My successful organization of community cultural events aimed at promoting unity, diversity, inclusion, and equity. It also demonstrated through my organization of the business expo in partnership with the non-profit organization RVIS, which provided vital support to local businesses. This experience has not only strengthened my connection with the community but also equipped me with the skills to advocate effectively for the diverse needs of Airdrie residents. Additionally, my educational background, including a Master's in Engineering (P.Eng) and my professional experience in project management and design for ice hockey and curling rinks, equips me with the skills necessary to effectively manage projects and collaborate with diverse stakeholders to enhance our community's quality of life. This hands-on experience not only highlights my ability to address pressing community needs but also reflects my dedication to fostering inclusivity and support for all residents.

Kristen Shima: I have a very solid background with experience and education to be relevant in this role. I have a Master of Arts Interdisciplinary Studies (specializing in Regenerative Sustainable Community Development) Economic Development Certificate Cultural Planning & Development Graduate Certificate Sustainable Tourism Certificate Municipal Experience of 8 years (City of Airdrie, City of Calgary, Town of Strathmore, Town of Sylvan Lake) Executive Director of a Business Improvement Area (BIA) - Main Street Downtown Revitalization Entrepreneur and Previous Airdrie Business Owner of 14 years Team Member of 100+ community-led initiatives and community investments Board Director of the Airdrie CultureFest Society - Multicultural Festival Co-Founder of Airdrie Regional ARTS Society Delivered over 8 years of municipal leadership in Community Development, Economic Development, Tourism, and Culture, including 2+ years with the City of Airdrie, gaining direct insight into municipal operations and administration. Co-designed and implemented 12 policies and bylaws advancing Arts & Culture, Urban Planning, and Land Use to strengthen community identity and sustainable growth. Produced and managed 75+ community and cultural events - including Trick or Treat Downtown Airdrie, Cabin Fever and Cocoa Trail, AirdrieFEST, and the Airdrie Homecoming Festival, driving downtown vibrancy and business integration. Secured $225M+ in business investment and facilitated the creation of 250+ new local jobs, significantly boosting economic prosperity. Awarded $250K in competitive grants to fund Arts, Culture, Tourism, Economic Development, Social, and Environmental initiatives. Co-founded two non-profit organizations (Airdrie Culture Fest and Airdrie Regional Arts Society - ARTS) to expand cultural programming and community engagement. Supported 54 murals and public art installations across four municipalities, transforming neighbourhoods and downtowns into vibrant cultural hubs. Strengthened volunteerism, supporting over 1,000 community volunteers and building long-term non-profit capacity. Launched six small business support programs focused on retention, entrepreneurship, and economic resilience. Co-designed and executed major municipal strategies, including the Economic Development Plan, Cultural Master Plan, Destination Development Plan, and Tourism Marketing Strategy.

Shaganpreet Singh Sooch: No response.

Chad Stewart: I bring 22 years of proven leadership, expertise in lean manufacturing and resource efficiency, and over 16 years of firefighting experience. My background is rooted in action—solving real-world problems with practical, fact-based solutions that deliver results.

Tanveer Taj: No response.

Karen Whittenbury: I have a background in HR but also in 911 dispatching that has given me the perspective and skills to make tough decisions and not be afraid to ask tough decisions and make those hard choices. It also has given me the ability to learn how to listen, engage and advocate for everyone that I believe is essential for city council.

Tammy Yantz: I bring over 20 years of small business management experience, which taught me adaptability, leadership, and financial accountability. In my current roles as a payroll accountant and HR assistant, I’ve strengthened my organizational and analytical skills. I also have my realtor’s license(on hold indefinitely), which enhanced my communication and client relations and negotiation abilities. My past involvement with the Airdrie Youth Justice Committee and ongoing advocacy for youth mental health and addiction reflect my commitment to community and collaboration. Altogether, these experiences give me a balanced perspective that combines business, administrative, and people-focused skills—assets I’ll bring to this role.

Councillor

6 To Be Elected

Tomisin (Tomi) Adenipekun: The biggest issues are high taxes, water independence, and infrastructure lagging behind growth. My approach is smart spending ; ensuring every dollar is justified, prioritizing essentials, and accelerating project delivery. At the same time, I’ll push for long-term solutions like water security and smarter transit.

Christopher Bakke: Health Care: Advocate strongly for better local services and emergency access. Push for smarter coordination with the province. Transit: Redesign the system to be smaller, more frequent, and actually usable. One app, better coverage, more dignity. Aging with Dignity: Invest in walkable neighborhoods, accessible housing, and inclusive programming for seniors. Business Development: Support small and local businesses with better access to space, streamlined permits, and long-term planning.

Darrell Belyk: No response.

Kurt Bigoraj: Airdrie does not have enough Businesses, the ratio of business to residents should be around 60/40 split, as a result residential taxes are higher and residents are taking the blunt of the cost to grow our city. We desperately need another community sports facility now, not a completion date 10 years from now. I would start by getting city council vote on a more aggressive build and completion date. . We need to push the provincial government To expedite our next urgent care facility, the city has outgrown our current facility and we need to be prepared to keep up with city population growth.

Darrin Budzak: No response.

Ron Chapman: No response.

Craig Dansereau: Our city needs a proper transit loop within Airdrie for our youth and seniors to access every day necessities. A municipal police force (Airdrie City Police) to provide the service and protection we need while our growth continues. Youth employment through education, grants and private partnerships. Our young people need good jobs to gain experience and support families of their own.

Chris Glass: No response.

Kaur Inderjeet: No response.

Al Jones: Medical services are a must for a growing population. Despite constant advocacy over the past twenty years for a hospital, sadly, we’ve been denied. We need to attract more medical professionals to fulfill our needs. Make it attractive for family doctors to locate their practices here. Encourage more health care professionals to practice here. Work towards facilitating a second Urgent Care facility and work with likeminded healthcare professionals that recognize our needs. We also need to attract more Large Scale employers. I’m not talking about little shops that only employ a handful of residents, but large Industrial, manufacturing, and logistics operations that employ hundreds of. The East Casp has been identified specifically for this, so now we need our Economic Development team to aggressively work towards attracting them. This will help keep residents working where they live as well as mitigate residential taxes through increased commercial revenue.

Candice Kolson: Affordability is Airdrie's biggest issue. Trying to meet the needs of the community, build the wants, while keeping our City affordable is the biggest challenge at the municipal level.

Kathlene McCuaig: Recent surveys have listed strategic growth and the attraction of new business with employees of 50+. I agree with the mayoral candidates who have identified 'shovel-ready ground and the quick action of development on our east-side.' We can't service those who want to come here and we can't drive new revenue without them. Another piece would be to get the highway weigh scales moved north towards Crossfield. Strategic growth includes my comments above, but also housing, recreation, park space, you name it. The completion of the new library opens up a chunk of capital and some breathing room for a hot minute. The new council needs to be open to new solutions, not have previous alliances to influencers and lay some fresh groundwork around all of these pieces.

Rekha Mehay: No response.

Anthony Morvillo: No response.

Simisola Obasan: No response.

Jay Raymundo: Airdrie is growing rapidly, and with that growth comes both opportunity and pressure. The biggest issues I see are: (Infrastructure strain) Roads, recreation facilities, and public spaces are struggling to keep pace with population growth. (Affordable and diverse housing) Families, seniors, and newcomers need more options that reflect real-life budgets and lifestyles. (Support for small businesses) Rising costs and limited commercial space make it harder for local entrepreneurs to thrive. I am experiencing this first hand! (Inclusive community development) We must ensure all residents—regardless of background, we all need to feel safe, represented, and connected. We need more collaboration, fiscal responsibility, and hands-on leadership. I’ve proposed inclusive initiatives like Culture Fest, helped launch Taste of Nations, and am developing NEXT GEN to empower youth. As Co-Chair of Welcoming Airdrie, a past Chamber board member, and a long-time volunteer, I’ve built relationships across sectors—and I’ll bring that same energy and accountability to Council. Smart planning, open dialogue, and community-driven solutions will guide every decision I make. My goal is simple: build a stronger, more connected Airdrie for everyone.

Maulik Shah: Three biggest issues affecting Airdrie: 1. Unorganized Growth of the City, I will advocate for Balanced Smart Growth in these steps: 1: Strategic Budget Allocation: Investing in improving and enhancing existing infrastructure is crucial for ensuring long-term sustainability and efficiency. Additionally, maintaining fiscal transparency and responsibility to taxpayers is essential. It's important to manage resources wisely and communicate clearly about how funds are being utilized to benefit the community. 2: Empowering Local Businesses: Promote strategies that strengthen existing businesses and attract new ones to our community, boosting economic vitality and job creation. 3: Capital Investment for Growth: Support new development projects that meet the needs of our growing population. Pushing for a new Rec facility on time while ensuring costs stay low. There should be a greater emphasis on commercial and industrial development rather than residential projects until current resources can keep up with the growing population. Focusing on these areas can help boost the economy, create jobs, and ensure that infrastructure is equipped to handle future demands. Balancing development in this way will support sustainable growth and efficient resource management. 2. Public Transportation is another issues that needs serious attention: Children’s Hospital, Foothills, and Peter Lougheed are critical healthcare facilities that should be accessible to all residents via direct Public Transport, especially families with children and seniors. Many families are forced to relocate to Calgary simply because their college-aged children lack reliable transit to attend Post-secondary institutions like the University of Calgary, SAIT, and Mount Royal University. Economic mobility is tied to physical mobility. Better transit means more job opportunities, more spending in local businesses, and stronger regional growth. Direct Connectivity locally and to major educational institutions and health facilities will be one of my top priorities. 3. Third and most important issue is Lack of Support & Safety : Advocate for increased resources for organizations like the Airdrie Food Bank and Boys and Girls Club, which play a crucial role in supporting local families. Prioritize the resources for our local RCMP to enhance public safety and build stronger communities.

Kristen Shima: When I look at the biggest issues, I think about the everyday needs of residents first. The daily needs compound over time if not addressed or serviced, reducing quality of life. There are many competing priorities, but it will be important to listen to our community on immediate needs and build them into a realistic, actionable plan. Top priorities would be: 1) Competing priorities with land and urban development for growth. We will need to revise the Municipal Development Plan to strengthen neighbourhoods and business corridors. This is a document that focuses on policy direction to guide the city’s growth. It is currently being updated, and I would like to work with Administration on growth management, economic prosperity, community design, sustainable transportation, infrastructure, and more. This document is considered the hierarchy ‘plan’ for city building as a guide and is important to focus on, laying out the next 10 years for Airdrie. 2) Lack of Industrial & Commercial Business. We will need to strengthen the Industrial and Commercial Business Areas. By strengthening local community wealth with industrial and commercial businesses, it will create a more balanced and resilient economy and residential tax base. Airdrie can diversify revenue streams and reduce tax burden on residents by supporting zoning and land-use policies that make industrial and commercial development more accessible while investing in servicing lands for long-term growth. An 80/20 ratio would be ideal in an economic development world. The most regenerative communities are a 75/25 ratio, but that can be difficult to achieve. Airdrie will need to expand on industrial lands – brownfield/greenfield to attract commercial businesses and further define target industries that support a regional economic ecosystem. This would be a focus for the sustainable growth of Airdrie. We are competing with Rockyview County, as they have much land for development and nearby ports (air/rail). AI centres will be a focus for them soon, but they use a lot of energy to operate. Airdrie will need to have an updated Economic Development Strategy Action Plan to implement over the next term, as it is currently 2018 – 2028. This term will focus on an updated Airdrie Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan. In addition, continuing to build regional partnerships and relationships with stakeholders, working with developer investment and industry, and other levels of government, in preparation for site selection and shovel-ready lands. 3) Lack of Civic Infrastructure. We are struggling for civic infrastructure to support our population with services. Infrastructure has always been an issue in Airdrie; we are just feeling it very hard now due to a surge of population growth. We need to catch up, but it feels like we are 20 years behind. We will need to build out funding models and growth plans to incorporate civic infrastructure as the city develops.

Shaganpreet Singh Sooch: No response.

Chad Stewart: The biggest challenges facing Airdrie are affordable housing and sustainable infrastructure growth. I am committed to addressing these by working collaboratively with council, administration, and industry experts to develop practical, results-oriented solutions that will directly benefit our residents and support Airdrie’s long-term success.

Tanveer Taj: No response.

Karen Whittenbury: Our residential growth has happened too quickly and we dont have the adequate infustructure to keep up with what we currently have. I want to reprioritze our needs of our families and ensure that we have for what we need now. It might not be the fanciest amenities but it will at least serve the purpose for the people.

Tammy Yantz: Incredible growth and financial challenges (infrastructure for this growth). A great deal of work will be needed to increase business in Airdrie and clearly prioritize spending on essentials. Critical services, recreation facilities with a strong focus on prioritized spending. Also long term planning for reliable water.

Councillor

6 To Be Elected

Tomisin (Tomi) Adenipekun: Municipal government’s role is to manage the basics: infrastructure, safety, growth, and services residents use daily. I believe the City sometimes stretches beyond its scope. We must focus on core responsibilities first, deliver them well, and only then consider additional programs.

Christopher Bakke: I believe the City is doing about the right amount—but there’s always room to do things better. If the city’s not busy, we’re not growing. That said, growth should be purposeful, not just busywork. We need to make sure our efforts are aligned with what residents actually need—whether that’s better transit, smarter infrastructure, or more inclusive community spaces. I’d focus on listening, learning, and making sure our priorities reflect real life in Airdrie.

Darrell Belyk: No response.

Kurt Bigoraj: To give a direction for the city growth, maintain city services, make decisions on the behalf of the residents of airdrie. Financial Management. All aspects of managing the city functions within the city.

Darrin Budzak: No response.

Ron Chapman: No response.

Craig Dansereau: The role of a municipal government is to manage public services to the best of their ability. The desired outcome should be to enhance the quality of life for its residents. I think the city can continually improve on this by more open and transparent dialogue with its citizens.

Chris Glass: No response.

Kaur Inderjeet: No response.

Al Jones: Municipal Government is responsible for managing the cities assets and providing services that enhance lifestyle. I believe in dealing and ensuring needs are met before considering wants. I also believe that as the city continues to grow, both needs and wants of the citizens will exponentially increase, therefore the city should continuously be looking to provide more of both in the most sustainable and fiscally responsible ways.

Candice Kolson: Due to provincial/federal downloading and the lack of transparent funding/grants/initiatives, the City of Airdrie has been forced to step into areas that should not be municipally funded. This question has many different answers because needs must be met, infrastructure must be build, and affordability needs to be taken into consideration. There are times where the City has stepped into the role that other levels of government should have taken care of ie: affordable housing, large infrastructure (40th ave etc.

Kathlene McCuaig: The role of municipal government is clearly found on our own website. It is not easy to stay in our lane when our citizens themselves are unaware of 'who does what.' Also, our councillors are part-timers putting in 140 hours/month, so let's ease up on the criticism. The staff that comprise our City Administration are competent, professional and caring. I think the team behind the scenes does an excellent job of keeping us all on track.

Rekha Mehay: No response.

Anthony Morvillo: No response.

Simisola Obasan: No response.

Jay Raymundo: I believe the role of municipal government is to serve the everyday needs of residents; including roads, recreation, and public safety to responsible budgeting, transparent decision-making, and community-building. It’s about delivering core services efficiently while also creating space for innovation, inclusion, and local leadership. Right now, I think the City is doing a lot—but we need to ensure we’re doing the right things, in the right way. That means: - Focusing on infrastructure that keeps pace with growth - Supporting small businesses and local organizations - Listening to residents and being transparent in our decisions - Investing in inclusive programs that reflect Airdrie’s diversity Through my work with Welcoming Airdrie, the Chamber of Commerce, school councils, and seniors programs, I’ve seen how much potential we have when government partners with the community. If elected, I’ll work to ensure the City stays focused, responsive, and accountable—so we’re not just doing more, but doing better.

Maulik Shah: Governance Legislative responsibilities (enacting bylaws) • Oversight Risk appetite setting Foresight and Visioning • Strategic Planning • Budget deliberations and approval • Advocacy with other levels of government The role of Council is not operations. There is a team of 850+ staff to run the operations at the City of Airdrie. There is a room for improvement in current council. The council needs new idea, new energy.

Kristen Shima: I have worked in municipal government, including the City of Airdrie, for a combination of 8 years with different departments. The role or department is to deliver municipal services to residents and are servants to community. Each department has a municipal service level to deliver based on Council and Leadership decision-making. The City has a variety of departments, and it would depend on the department. As a whole, the City may be delivering just the right amount, but in certain departments, it may be lacking. I would break it down further with areas and departments. In addition, perspectives are opinions and assumptions rather real results/data and evidence. Overall, I have lived experience that I can carry forward in making further changes to benefit Airdrie.

Shaganpreet Singh Sooch: No response.

Chad Stewart: A municipal government is the level of government closest to people’s daily lives. Its role is to deliver essential services like water, waste, roads, and emergency response; plan and manage growth through zoning and development; support community spaces and recreation; represent residents through local democracy; foster economic development; and promote environmental sustainability. In short, it ensures communities are safe, functional, and livable. Our city does a lot, but strong leadership means setting clear priorities. Council must do more than manage—it must listen, act, and make decisions that put residents first while building a stronger, more vibrant Airdrie for the future.

Tanveer Taj: No response.

Karen Whittenbury: Municipal is essentially roads, parks, water- but I always think there is room for improvement but we have to be careful we remain in Municipal jurisdiction.

Tammy Yantz: Airdrie is experiencing incredible growth, which brings both opportunity and financial challenges, particularly in building and maintaining the infrastructure needed to support this expansion. Moving forward, we must focus on attracting and supporting local businesses, while ensuring that spending is clearly prioritized toward essential services and community needs. Investments in critical services, recreation facilities, and long-term water reliability must be carefully planned and sustainably managed to ensure Airdrie’s continued growth and quality of life for residents.

Councillor

6 To Be Elected

Tomisin (Tomi) Adenipekun: Property taxes in Airdrie are too high for the services delivered. Residents deserve better value for their money. I’ll work to stabilize or reduce the tax burden by finding efficiencies, prioritizing spending, and ensuring major projects go to plebiscite before taxpayers foot the bill.

Christopher Bakke: Airdrie has some of the lowest property taxes in Alberta, and personally, I’d love to see them go even lower. But the reality is—it’s a double-edged sword. If we want better infrastructure, improved services, and a growing city that works for everyone, we need the resources to pay for it. The money has to come from somewhere, and we can only cut so much before the scale tips and we start losing the very things that make Airdrie livable. I think our current tax level is about right—but we need to be smart, transparent, and intentional about how we use every dollar. Efficiency matters just as much as affordability

Darrell Belyk: No response.

Kurt Bigoraj: I have spoken to other people I know from different cities and even different cities from different properties after speaking with them all I do feel airdrie taxes are inline with other cities. So I would have to say about right.

Darrin Budzak: No response.

Ron Chapman: No response.

Craig Dansereau: Our taxes are at an acceptable level and should remain where they are. Airdrie needs to focus on adding more industrial and commercial tax revenue to keep residential taxes low.

Chris Glass: No response.

Kaur Inderjeet: No response.

Al Jones: We currently enjoy the lowest municipal taxes in Alberta. That being said, we should never become complacent. We must be vigilant in searching for creative ways to meet our needs in the most cost effective ways, including revisiting services in place to ensure we are getting the best value for dollars we spend

Candice Kolson: Airdrie has one of the lowest tax rates in Cities of comparable size. The reason Airdrie appears to have a tax advantage is that our population grew much faster than comparable cities. Once Airdries facilities catch up to the residential growth, that cap in tax rates will begin to close. I feel Airdrie walks a very close line between keeping taxes as low as possible per residents requests, while lacking some infrastructure and facilities for the population that is always growing.

Kathlene McCuaig: LIke Goldilocks herself, I'd just like a long nap after this question! I would say just about right, but if we are honest, once our business base is stronger we will need to seriously consider a business tax in the future. Not today, not in five years, but I am saying 10-15. I also expect our next provincial government to introduce a sales tax, so to ask more of our citizens without warning would be quite unjust.

Rekha Mehay: No response.

Anthony Morvillo: No response.

Simisola Obasan: No response.

Jay Raymundo: I believe property taxes should reflect value, not just cost. Right now, many residents feel the pressure of rising expenses, and we need to ensure that every dollar collected is used efficiently and transparently. I wouldn’t say taxes are too high or too low—but I do believe we need to evaluate spending priorities, eliminate waste, and ensure that core services like infrastructure, safety, and recreation are properly funded without overburdening families or small businesses. As a small business owner and long-time resident, I understand the impact taxes have on household budgets and local entrepreneurship. If elected, I’ll advocate for fiscal responsibility, smarter budgeting, and clearer communication about where tax dollars go—so residents feel confident they’re getting real value in return.

Maulik Shah: Our 75-25 residential-to-non-residential tax ratio puts too much pressure on homeowners. I’d shift it to 65-35 over five years by boosting commercial growth. My step? Expand the Downtown Incentives Policy (P-DEV-16-C) to offer property tax breaks for new office spaces, retail hubs, or light industrial in areas like East Airdrie. A 50% tax reduction for three years could attract 10 new businesses, adding $5 million to the non-residential tax base by 2030, based on 2024 commercial assessment trends. No service cuts or tax hikes needed- this is about growing the pie. If growth lags, I’d protect core services like roads and fire by trimming discretionary spending, like promotional campaigns, saving $200,000 annually without impacting residents.

Kristen Shima: Airdrie has low property taxes. It is in the data.

Shaganpreet Singh Sooch: No response.

Chad Stewart: I believe property taxes are fair for the services we receive, but I am committed to bringing them down without compromising current or future services. I will achieve this by supporting Airdrie’s economic growth, attracting new businesses, and building a stronger, more sustainable financial foundation for our city.

Tanveer Taj: No response.

Karen Whittenbury: Our property taxes are high for the amenities and facilities we have.

Tammy Yantz: I believe property taxes in Airdrie are reasonable, but we must continue to plan carefully and manage growth responsibly to keep them affordable in the years ahead.

Councillor

6 To Be Elected

Tomisin (Tomi) Adenipekun: The City should increase spending "slower" than the rate of inflation and population growth. This forces efficiency and keeps government disciplined. If households must make tough choices, City Hall should too.

Christopher Bakke: I believe the City should aim to increase spending in line with the rate of inflation and population growth. That’s the most balanced approach—it keeps services stable as our community grows, without overburdening taxpayers or falling behind on infrastructure and support. Spending less might sound appealing, but it risks cutting into the very things residents rely on. Spending more than growth and inflation could strain affordability. Matching our spending to real-world growth helps maintain quality of life while keeping fiscal responsibility front and center.

Darrell Belyk: No response.

Kurt Bigoraj: Increase spending by rate of population growth and inflation.

Darrin Budzak: No response.

Ron Chapman: No response.

Craig Dansereau: Airdrie will need to increase spending at the rate of inflation and population growth we experience. We need to prioritize this spending on the critical infrastructure and services that our citizens need.

Chris Glass: No response.

Kaur Inderjeet: No response.

Al Jones: Over the past four years, council has worked hard to minimize tax increases. That being said, it would be irresponsible of me to say no tax increases are realistic. We need new water/sewer infrastructure, Another fire hall , increased protective services such as RCMP and municipal enforcement to ensure the city maintains a low crime rate and many other needs. These things all cost money and are must haves. Personally, as a tax payer myself, I’d love to have lower taxes. Unfortunately, I know it would be misleading and irresponsible of me to promise such a thing.

Candice Kolson: Inflations is not possible to avoid. It comes in union cost increases (RCMP/FIRE safety) as well as in projects, supplies, and everything in between. There is not a viable way to avoid the cost of inflation in our own homes & businesses. I don 't see a viable option that avoids any increases to costs due to inflation.

Kathlene McCuaig: My answer is increase spending but less than the rate of inflation/population growth. Say no year after year has not done us many favours, and now we are suffering with a lack of recreational facilities, poor traffic-flow management and poorly-accessed amenities. It may have bought votes in the past, but I plan to use my four years telling the truth kindly, but not avoiding it altogether.

Rekha Mehay: No response.

Anthony Morvillo: No response.

Simisola Obasan: No response.

Jay Raymundo: Over the next four years, I believe the City should increase spending by the rate of inflation and population growth. This approach ensures we maintain essential services and infrastructure without overextending taxpayers. As Airdrie continues to grow, we must invest wisely matching spending to real needs while staying fiscally responsible.

Maulik Shah: In a fast-growing city like Airdrie, where population pressures and infrastructure needs are rising, many municipalities lean toward option ,Increase Spending Faster Than Inflation + Population Growth to avoid falling behind. As described above, I advocate the city should plan for smart growth.

Kristen Shima: Sustainability is key. I would look at what is sustainable and what is important for residents in delivering a quality of life. I would base this question on what results we are getting back from residents in terms of how they see service delivery. From what I am understanding to date, with growth pressures and sustainability, it would be leaning towards increase by the rate of inflation and population growth. Ideally, the management of growth is critical in order to spend less in absolute terms.

Shaganpreet Singh Sooch: No response.

Chad Stewart: Airdrie’s infrastructure priorities must be guided by the needs and input of our residents. I hear regularly from citizens about the importance of public transportation, recreation facilities, and strengthened emergency services. While these investments require careful financial planning, they are critical to meeting community needs and ensuring a sustainable future. It’s important to recognize that city growth and infrastructure spending are not theoretical exercises—Airdrie is a dynamic city with finite resources, and council must balance priorities to plan responsibly for both today and tomorrow.

Tanveer Taj: No response.

Karen Whittenbury: Spend for what the situation is that the city is currently in. We need to make smart practical choices that will ensure the city keeps up to its population growth.

Tammy Yantz: It is not possible to make a specific commitment to any of the above, my pledge is to advocate for responsible use of tax dollars and to represent Airdrie residents.

Councillor

6 To Be Elected

Tomisin (Tomi) Adenipekun: If money is left over, it should go back to taxpayers unless there’s a clearly defined reserve for essential needs (like water projects or emergency services). Unspent funds shouldn’t just be tucked away for pet projects, taxpayers should feel the relief.

Christopher Bakke: That’s a fair concern—and one I think deserves a balanced approach. If there’s money left over at the end of the year, I believe it should first be evaluated transparently. Some reserves are essential for long-term stability, emergency planning, and future infrastructure needs. Automatically rebating every surplus could leave us short when unexpected costs arise or when we need to invest in things like roads, transit, or community spaces. That said, if reserves consistently grow without clear purpose or public benefit, then yes—returning a portion to taxpayers or reducing future tax burdens should absolutely be on the table. The key is transparency: residents deserve to know where their money goes, why it’s being held, and how it serves the public good. I’d push for clearer reporting and community input on how surpluses are used.

Darrell Belyk: No response.

Kurt Bigoraj: The city should keep the money for future projects. It’s money that was already approved to be spent depending on the size of the surplus perhaps maintaining the tax rate for residents should be considered next budget or use the money for future projects to reduce the cost.

Darrin Budzak: No response.

Ron Chapman: No response.

Craig Dansereau: This is a larger issue of accountability and transparency. Whether or not there is a surplus, this money should only be spent on budgeted items that are openly communicated with and authorized by the citizens of Airdrie. If at the end of a budget year there is a surplus, this amount plus a portion of the reserve accounts should be allocated to the next year's budget. If there is a sufficient capital to fund the budget, a rebate on property taxes should be issued.

Chris Glass: No response.

Kaur Inderjeet: No response.

Al Jones: I believe that if we have a large surplus, that just as any business would do, we should put it on existing debt servicing ( debt ). If it’s a small surplus, then it should be put into capital reserves so that we borrow less money on current projects. Debt means interest payments, and in my opinion, the tax payer receives little to no benefit from their taxes paying for interest charges.

Candice Kolson: like with your own home budget, a surplus or extra funds may need to be put into a savings for something that could come up at a later date. The majority of the surplus that they City has seen in the last 10 years is contributed to RCMP staffing costs and positions that are not able to be filled. That surplus has been earmarked to help soften the increase in pay due to union negotiations and rising costs from the federal contracts. Other areas in which a surplus is seen is put into operational/capital reserves so that they can be used for future projects to soften the increases through a Tax stabilization reserve- this reserve will be used to keep tax increases lower down the road when big items come online (rec facilities, fire safety, policing etc)

Kathlene McCuaig: This is not a particularly fair or informed question, so I will answer it accordingly. Savings, or coming in under budget should be in a reserve budget/account earning interest. The cumulative total should be declared and moved forward into the next budget - perhaps into the line item in which it was earned, perhaps voted on to use for an emergency expense, perhaps voted on to be used for a realistic request from a public group. (ie Habitiat for Humanity bulding in our community and having a small shortfall they asked our council to cover)

Rekha Mehay: No response.

Anthony Morvillo: No response.

Simisola Obasan: No response.

Jay Raymundo: If there’s a surplus at the end of the year, I support saving those funds in a reserve account but only if that reserve is clearly earmarked for future infrastructure, emergency preparedness, or strategic community investments. These reserves should not become a hidden slush fund. Residents deserve to know where every dollar goes. That said, if reserves consistently grow without clear purpose or benefit to residents, I would support exploring targeted rebates or tax relief - especially for families and small businesses feeling the pinch. Ultimately, every dollar should serve the public interest, whether through smart reinvestment or direct return. As a small business owner and community advocate, I’ll push for clear reporting, public input, and accountability in how surplus funds are managed. Let’s make sure savings actually serve Airdrie.

Maulik Shah: The money should be returned automatically to taxpayers the following year through some kind of rebate.

Kristen Shima: Tax dollars should be saved to spend in future years. It makes significant impact to the community as a whole.

Shaganpreet Singh Sooch: No response.

Chad Stewart: Cities are expected to operate on a balanced budget, using the funds collected from taxpayers and other revenue sources to deliver the services residents need and expect. Any surplus at the end of the fiscal year should be reinvested to strengthen and expand those services, ensuring the city continues to meet the evolving needs of the community.

Tanveer Taj: No response.

Karen Whittenbury: This would be a great public engagement question- be interesting to know what our residents want as well, but its important to always have money in the reserve.

Tammy Yantz: I think "leftover" money should be set aside for future years. Issuing rebates to Airdrie citizens would be too expensive, and keeping reserves will help minimize future tax increases.

Councillor

6 To Be Elected

Tomisin (Tomi) Adenipekun: Affordable housing means residents from young families to seniors can live in Airdrie without being priced out. I support policies that keep overall housing costs in check by working with developers on supply and zoning. Direct subsidies should be limited and tightly managed.

Christopher Bakke: To me, affordable housing means people of all incomes can live with dignity in Airdrie. I support a balanced approach: the City should help stabilize overall housing costs through smart planning and zoning, while also supporting targeted subsidies or partnerships for lower-income residents. Both are needed to keep our community inclusive and livable.

Darrell Belyk: No response.

Kurt Bigoraj: The city needs to build homes and communities for all income levels, every person in airdrie should have a right to call a house a home. I feel that there is limited housing option for seniors in airdrie this is forcing seniors to leave their families to live in another community that they can afford to live in. So focusing on homes for seniors, need to build more low cost senior communities in airdrie

Darrin Budzak: No response.

Ron Chapman: No response.

Craig Dansereau: The city of Airdrie cannot control the price of housing. People are moving here in record numbers and demand exceeds supply which increases the cost of a house. However, City Council should focus on repealing unnecessary bylaws and policies which contribute to increased costs to developers that are passed onto the homeowners.

Chris Glass: No response.

Kaur Inderjeet: No response.

Al Jones: The city is not a developer, nor can they dictate how much a builder or private residential property can be sold for, as it is and has always been a free market system like any other investment or business that bases its pricing on a combination of cost plus margin and supply versus demand. Affordable housing is a subjective term in my opinion. What one person considers affordable housing, another might find cost prohibiting. I believe that through proper zoning and planning, that once the housing market catches up, there will be significant choices in all price ranges as the demand will drop over time. In talking with existing landlords, if we were to attempt rental caps, they would discontinue investment in rental properties all together, which would in turn, contribute to a shortage. I feel we should concentrate on mitigating tax increases to attract more investment and continue to look for opportunities to take advantage of for the at risk fixed income families. An example would be the cities investment in obtaining the former Super 8 hotel, which was turned into 38 studio apartments. The Hotel was in financial distress, so we were able to obtain it for a fraction of what it would have cost to build. We also obtained the Hampton Hotel in partnership with the Rockyview Foundation, so as to serve fixed income seniors. Of course, this also includes acquiring grants/ partnerships with higher levels of government

Candice Kolson: The definition of affordable housing is no more than 30% of an individuals household income. It is getting increasingly difficult for 'Airdrie Housing' to meet the needs of low income housing in Airdrie due to the lack of wrap around supports for the municipality and it's subsidiary Airdrie Housing. True affordable housing should be a Federal responsibility, supported by the Provincial government to deliver AHS services to support the individuals that are typically in affordable housing. As far as regular housing goes: the more diverse choice in housing that Airdrie has, the more it will decrease the cost for everyone in rentals, purchase prices etc.

Kathlene McCuaig: I have rented. I have lived with my parents as an adult, or with adult children in my home. I have lived with persons who would be considered low-income. I have owned homes. I do not say that I support affordable housing per se, but I do support housing costs being no more than 1/3 of a household income, if that. We value our homes and our homes are our main item of value, so what to do? If affordable homes are part of social assistance, then let's see our provincial government step up. I am more likely to push for accessible, universal design that allows an individual to live in their home from cradle-to-grave with space that would allow easy access, a wheelchair or mobility device and the addition of assists for the blind or hearing-impaired.

Rekha Mehay: No response.

Anthony Morvillo: No response.

Simisola Obasan: No response.

Jay Raymundo: Affordable housing means ensuring that every resident—regardless of income, age, or background—can find a safe, stable place to live without sacrificing basic needs. In a growing city like Airdrie, affordability isn’t just about price—it’s about access, diversity of options, and long-term sustainability. I believe the City should take a balanced approach: - Support targeted subsidies and partnerships for lower-income residents, seniors, and vulnerable populations, especially through collaboration with non-profits and provincial programs. - Encourage diverse housing types, including duplexes, townhomes, and secondary suites—to increase supply and reduce pressure on prices. - Use smart zoning and planning tools to guide development that reflects real community needs, not just market trends. - Engage developers, residents, and housing advocates to ensure affordability is built into the conversation from the start. It’s about dignity, opportunity, and belonging.

Maulik Shah: As Airdrie's population surges past 90,000 and we aim to become Alberta's third-largest city, we can't ignore the housing crunch. Right now, households in core housing needs have jumped from 1,985 in 2021 to a projected nearly 3,000 by 2031 without action. Low-income families and seniors are hit hardest, with waitlists for affordable units stretching nearly 80 families long and no vacancies in sight. That's why I'll champion initiatives to expand access to safe, affordable housing defined as costing no more than 30% of household income. We've already secured $24.8 million from the federal Housing Accelerator Fund to boost diversity in our stock, especially for young adults, seniors, and single-parent families. And with the Affordable Housing Capital Development Strategy coming in 2025, I'll push for more subsidized rentals through partners like Airdrie Housing Limited and the Rocky View Foundation, ensuring everyone has a place to call home.

Kristen Shima: Housing focuses on market demand which may cause higher supply of single-house dwellings, therefore being very family-friendly and focused as a community. Single-house dwellings are a larger blueprint and cost to support, including municipal service delivery. This is a major issue, creating urban sprawl and increasing municipal costs. In addition, it creates an unequal supply of types of dwelling units to suit the needs of residents with lifestyles, demographics, cultures, and life stages (multi-generational housing, senior housing, students, single parents, co-living, etc.). It will be important for Airdrie’s housing to fit a diverse range, while tying into commercial corridors as well, increasing economic prosperity. This may assist with making housing more affordable with diversity and ranges, keeping costs from escalating out of control. Airdrie is experiencing a shift in housing, and it will be important to build with future intention, serving residents' needs at all stages of life. It is no longer built around a traditional nuclear family. In 2023, the building permit registry issued units of 551 single-family homes, 114 semi-detached homes, 530 townhomes, and 108 apartment units. There has been an increase in market demand with 41% total residential permit activity of townhome permits in 2023, vs 2021. Airdrie needs to build by foreseeing societal changes and growing together. This would include designing our neighbourhoods to fit mixed-use buildings, commercial areas, community common areas, active transit and accessibility, green spaces, through an integrated approach of city building. The City has worked with other levels of government (Federal) to support affordable housing with funding. Governments (primarily federal and provincial) create funding and grants to address societal issues, challenges, and gaps. Lack of affordable housing is a gap. A municipal level is the local level to support, but has the least funding. In any case, working with government partners can advance the City, with a combination of funding.

Shaganpreet Singh Sooch: No response.

Chad Stewart: Affordable housing means ensuring that all residents have access to safe, stable, and reasonably priced homes. For me, this is a combination of approaches. The City should focus on preventing housing costs from spiraling out of control by supporting sustainable development and diverse housing options, while also considering targeted programs or partnerships to assist lower-income residents who need additional support. Achieving this requires collaboration with developers, community organizations, and other levels of government to create practical, long-term solutions that benefit both individual residents and the community as a whole.

Tanveer Taj: No response.

Karen Whittenbury: The current umbrella for affordable housing is too large and needs to be simplified down to ensure everyone knows exactly what affordable housing means. I believe that houses should be more affordable for everyone. The city needs to works with developers and ensure that we're planning for smart growth so that our current residents can afford the basics. Everyone deserves a house over their head and food in their bellies. Have to find the balance.

Tammy Yantz: I think affordable housing means homes people can afford without sacrificing basic needs. I support a combination of subsidize housing for low-income residents (non-profit/co-op).

Councillor

6 To Be Elected

Tomisin (Tomi) Adenipekun: Unions are part of City operations, but fiscal responsibility must come first. Negotiations should be transparent, fair, and sustainable. I’ll make sure wage agreements reflect Airdrie’s realities and taxpayers’ ability to pay, not just rising costs

Christopher Bakke: I’ll be honest—I don’t know a lot about public sector unions yet, and I wouldn’t pretend otherwise. That said, I believe in fair treatment for workers and responsible use of public funds. If elected, I’d take the time to learn from all sides—union representatives, city staff, and residents—to make sure negotiations are respectful, transparent, and fiscally responsible.

Darrell Belyk: No response.

Kurt Bigoraj: Unions have a role in helping workers maintaining a fair wage and maintaining safe working conditions for their employees. City council Should reach out and involve professionals for assistance, be current and up to date with wages of today, hold ongoing meetings with the union reps so both parties understand that the city has fiscal responsibilities and wage increases need to be respectable for both sides.

Darrin Budzak: No response.

Ron Chapman: No response.

Craig Dansereau: Unions are not always acting in good faith with their members. The Alberta Teacher's Union is a good example of this as they are not advocating for what their members actually want. I would push the Alberta Government to make union memberships optional in the public sector. Workers and employers can negotiate in good faith to achieve desired outcomes.

Chris Glass: No response.

Kaur Inderjeet: No response.

Al Jones: Currently, we bargain with a union for our Fire Department as well as having our RCMP belonging to a Union. Beyond that, we have managed to keep staff happy in all other departments by paying fair wages and benefits. We use comparable compensation from other municipalities to achieve this. I would want to continue this practice as it mitigates a lot of extra costs and potential work interruptions.

Candice Kolson: RCMP are unionized, but those contracts are negotiated Federally. Airdrie only has one direct union and that is in the Airdrie Fire Fighters, I can not comment publicly on union negotiations at this time, but I will say that my hope for this city is to continue to be safe and protecting not only our residents, but our first responders that put their lives on the line for us every day.

Kathlene McCuaig: This question belies common sense. Unions exist. City operations exist. They must co-exist here as in every municipality in our country. I am not, as a councilor, in charge of union negotiations, only an observer of fair pay for work done, equal pay for equal work, and referencing municial comparatives.

Rekha Mehay: No response.

Anthony Morvillo: No response.

Simisola Obasan: No response.

Jay Raymundo: Public sector unions play an important role in ensuring fair treatment, safe working conditions, and professional standards for the employees who deliver essential services to our community—whether that’s policing, fire, public works, or administration. That said - fiscal responsibility must always be a guiding principle. If elected to Airdrie City Council, I would approach union negotiations with a balanced mindset: one that respects the value of our workforce while ensuring that compensation and benefits align with long-term sustainability and taxpayer value. Here’s how I would approach it: - Advocate for transparent negotiations that include clear public reporting and rationale behind agreements. - Support benchmarking against similar municipalities to ensure fairness and competitiveness without overspending. - Encourage collaborative dialogue between unions, administration, and Council—focusing on shared goals like service excellence and community impact. - Push for performance-based accountability and cost-effective staffing models that protect both service quality and budget integrity. As a small business owner and community leader, I understand the importance of balancing people and budgets. I believe we can support our public sector workers while keeping Airdrie financially strong and responsive to residents’ needs.

Maulik Shah: Role of Public Sector Unions in City Operations Protect Worker Rights: They negotiate collective agreements that safeguard employee interests. Ensure Service Quality: By advocating for proper staffing and training, they help maintain high service standards. Promote Workplace Stability: Unions reduce turnover and foster long-term institutional knowledge. To ensure negotiations don’t compromise the city’s financial health, here are key steps a municipal leader or administrator might take: Transparent Budgeting Share clear financial data with union representatives to ground negotiations in fiscal reality. Use multi-year forecasting to show long-term impacts of wage and benefit proposals. Performance-Based Metrics Tie compensation growth to service delivery improvements or efficiency gains. Encourage collaborative problem-solving around productivity and cost-saving innovations. Third-Party Mediation Use independent mediators or arbitrators to resolve disputes fairly and avoid costly work stoppages. Public Accountability Engage residents in understanding the trade-offs involved in labor agreements. Publish summaries of collective agreements and their budgetary impact. Contingency Planning Build reserve funds and flexible staffing models to absorb unexpected costs or disruptions. Negotiation Principles Prioritize sustainability over short-term appeasement. Avoid retroactive pay increases or unfunded pension enhancements. In a city like Airdrie, which is growing rapidly and facing increasing service demands, striking this balance is especially important. Strong labor relations can coexist with fiscal discipline if guided by transparency, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to serving the public.

Kristen Shima: The City of Airdrie is not a union with operations. In other City operations, union negotiations would need to be tied to deliverables, transparency, responsibility, and accountability to the public as servants upholding fiscal responsibility.

Shaganpreet Singh Sooch: No response.

Chad Stewart: Public sector unions play an important role in representing employees and ensuring fair working conditions, which contributes to a motivated and effective workforce. At the same time, the city must remain fiscally responsible to protect taxpayers and maintain essential services. I believe the key is open, transparent, and collaborative negotiations that balance the needs of employees with the financial realities of the city. This includes planning ahead, using data-driven approaches, and exploring creative solutions that achieve fair agreements without compromising long-term sustainability.

Tanveer Taj: No response.

Karen Whittenbury: Making sure that the communication is always upfront and honest and working together to have city operations successful- but also maintaining the fiscal responsibility line. Working to ensure the equipment

Tammy Yantz: Unions used to have a legitimate place, but it appears that the unions have taken a level of control that is not appropriate. I would need to know more about this before it ever became a reality in Airdrie.

Councillor

6 To Be Elected

Tomisin (Tomi) Adenipekun: While tariffs are outside local control, Council can help businesses weather challenges by cutting red tape, reducing local fees, streamlining permits, and creating an environment where businesses can thrive. We can’t change Washington, but we can make Airdrie more business-friendly

Christopher Bakke: The best way Council can help is by talking directly with local businesses to understand where the pressure points are—whether it’s supply chain issues, rising costs, or red tape. From there, the City can tailor support, streamline processes, and advocate where needed. Real solutions start with real conversations

Darrell Belyk: No response.

Kurt Bigoraj: City council needs to be a voice of local businesses to provincial and federal governments so governments understand how businesses are struggling. Promote “buy Canadian” products.

Darrin Budzak: No response.

Ron Chapman: No response.

Craig Dansereau: Council can support and partner with local businesses and chamber of commerce to promote shopping local and advertise what services are available in Airdrie. Tariffs are not a municipal issue, however we can advocate for "Made in Canada" products and services.

Chris Glass: No response.

Kaur Inderjeet: No response.

Al Jones: Our economic development team keeps very close in touch with our local Chamber of Commerce and monitors closely for not only local businesses, but for rising inflationary consequences, including US Tariffs that effect the cities operations and capital projects.

Candice Kolson: The place a municipality holds when it comes to tariffs is in the area of support. We have an economic development team that works hard to connect business's to resources they may not be aware of. I would encourage all business to reach out to that team to see what other supports or opportunities there is when it comes to challenges in business.

Kathlene McCuaig: Council could support the Airdrie Regional Chamber of Commerce with marketing initiatives on the city-platforms (no addtional cost) that encourage residents to purchase locally before looking elsewhere. The Downtown Revitalization project is another excellent example that our new council must ensure continues to go into effect smoothly.

Rekha Mehay: No response.

Anthony Morvillo: No response.

Simisola Obasan: No response.

Jay Raymundo: As a small business owner myself, I understand how external pressures—like U.S. tariffs—can ripple through local operations, affecting everything from inventory costs to customer pricing. (Thankfully my business isn't directly affected) If elected to Airdrie City Council, I would advocate for a local resilience strategy that helps businesses navigate these challenges through: Practical Support Measures - Streamlining local regulations and permitting to reduce overhead and delays for small businesses. - Expanding access to City-led procurement opportunities so local vendors can compete for municipal contracts. - Creating a business advisory task force to identify real-time challenges and co-develop solutions with entrepreneurs and industry leaders. Collaboration & Advocacy - Partnering with the Airdrie Regional Chamber of Commerce and regional economic development groups to offer workshops, resources, and networking opportunities focused on supply chain adaptation and cost management. - Advocating to provincial and federal governments for relief programs, trade diversification support, and infrastructure investments that benefit Airdrie’s business community. Innovation & Diversification - Encouraging local sourcing and manufacturing where possible to reduce dependency on cross-border goods. - Supporting digital transformation and e-commerce adoption to help businesses reach broader markets and reduce reliance on physical supply chains.

Maulik Shah: These steps council can take to help local business to manage the impact of tariffs: Bring together business leaders, chambers of commerce, and economic development experts. Identify specific sectors most affected and co-develop targeted support strategies. Prioritize purchasing from Airdrie-based suppliers and manufacturers. Reduce reliance on cross-border goods where feasible to stimulate local supply chains. Partner with provincial and federal programs to help businesses find new international markets. Host workshops on trade diversification, e-commerce, and logistics optimization. Collaborate with other Alberta municipalities to lobby for federal tariff relief or compensation.

Kristen Shima: The economic landscape on a national or international scale will continue to be volatile with risk. In mitigating risk, it will be important for local governments to build in resiliency and regeneration within the community to support the local business community. This would need to be done through systematic approaches in community building over time. As an example, building community pride with connection to place attachment and supporting local business. As Council, it would be supporting Administration with the Economic Development department provide supports with initiatives and programs to target specific business challenges. Funding and grants would be available provincially and federally to get support and building into local supports and initiatives. It will also be important to build out regional systems of support for collaboration in strengthening the local economy.

Shaganpreet Singh Sooch: No response.

Chad Stewart: Council must actively support local businesses in every way possible. This includes promoting and showcasing businesses within our city, leading by example through purchasing locally, and ensuring that businesses can easily access provincial and federal programs and assistance—especially during challenging economic times. Strong support for local enterprises strengthens our economy, creates jobs, and keeps Airdrie thriving.

Tanveer Taj: No response.

Karen Whittenbury: City council needs to help local businesses in general- they are already struggling to make ends meet that city council needs to look at better ways to help with rent, foot traffic and getting business to come to Airdrie and remain in Airdrie for the longterm.

Tammy Yantz: I think if we can attract more businesses, reduce the red tape on permitting, and run local campaigns to attract shoppers we can help local businesses manage these impacts.

Councillor

6 To Be Elected

Tomisin (Tomi) Adenipekun: I will push for a full review of City regulations with input from small businesses. Many face unnecessary delays or paperwork. Streamlining permits, licensing, and approvals can save businesses money and time , helping them grow and create jobs.

Christopher Bakke: Council should talk with small businesses to understand what’s slowing them down, then simplify where possible—permits, zoning, and processes. Less friction means more room to grow.

Darrell Belyk: No response.

Kurt Bigoraj: To answer this honestly I am going to say I do not know. I do not have experience in this I would have to reach out to small business owners and try to get an understanding of tbe issues they had in order to try improve it for future entrepreneurs.

Darrin Budzak: No response.

Ron Chapman: No response.

Craig Dansereau: More support for local and family run businesses as well as non-profits is important. This can be achieved through a review of unnecessary bylaws and policies which contribute to increased costs. Faster turnaround times and approvals equal more revenue for these organizations.

Chris Glass: No response.

Kaur Inderjeet: No response.

Al Jones: This is an ever moving issue as many businesses have differing challenges. Smaller issues can often be dealt with through our Economic Development team, however, larger issues that might affect many businesses, can be dealt with through policy changes at a council level. Our local Chamber of Commerce is very good at bringing those issues to our attention, and through working with the business community, usually a creative solution is found. It’s not always perfect, but the results usually lessen the burden for the business

Candice Kolson: This can be achieved through our permit process, land use bylaws, and business license fee structure.

Kathlene McCuaig: There are a lot of fees, even with an extremely low mill rate! Could we have a sliding scale perhaps based on square footage/location/number of employees to distribute costs more fairly? A rebate everytime the business hires a new employee who stays more than 1yr? Lots of thoughts on this as a former small business owner with a retail location and only 2 employees!

Rekha Mehay: No response.

Anthony Morvillo: No response.

Simisola Obasan: No response.

Jay Raymundo: As a small business owner and community advocate - If elected to Airdrie City Council, I would push for a streamlined, transparent, and responsive regulatory environment that empowers small businesses rather than slows them down. Here’s how: 1. Simplify Permitting & Licensing - Review and modernize permit processes to reduce wait times and eliminate unnecessary red tape. - Create a “one-stop” digital portal for business applications, renewals, and inquiries—making it easier for entrepreneurs to navigate City requirements. 2. Strengthen Communication & Support - Establish a Small Business Advisory Committee to provide direct feedback to Council and administration. This could be a combination of the Airdrie Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Various Business Networking Groups, the new Entrepreneurs in the Smart Start Program, Commercial Leasing Companies, Developers and home based businesses. - Offer regular workshops and info sessions in partnership with the Airdrie Chamber of Commerce to help businesses stay informed and compliant. 3. Conduct a Regulatory Audit - Identify outdated or duplicative bylaws that hinder growth and innovation. - Benchmark against other municipalities to ensure Airdrie remains competitive and business-friendly. 4. Encourage Local Procurement & Incentives - Prioritize local vendors in City contracts to keep dollars circulating in our economy. - Explore targeted incentives for startups, home-based businesses, and those serving underserved populations.

Maulik Shah: Local shops are Airdrie’s heartbeat, but red tape can choke them. I’d reform the Development Permit Approval Process to cut wait times from 6-8 weeks to 4 weeks for small businesses. How? Streamline reviews by creating a fast-track lane for projects under 5,000 square feet, like cafes or boutiques. This uses existing staff resources, funded by reallocating $50,000 from the Planning Department’s 2025 budget- no tax hikes needed. I’d also pilot a Business Ambassador Program, pairing new entrepreneurs with city staff to navigate bylaws, cutting confusion and costs.

Kristen Shima: There is a unique system in place for reducing red tape within municipalities and the province. The business community can take steps to connect to https://www.alberta.ca/cut-red-tape for solutions-based ideas. Regulatory burdens occur over each level of government, but provincial regulations have much impact to change or make improvements on. At a local level, burdens can be consolidated, simplified, or scaled in a way to reduce barriers and support. For example, when I had a role as an Economic Developer in a municipality, our team created a tiered business license system to support home-based small businesses with a lower fee.

Shaganpreet Singh Sooch: No response.

Chad Stewart: Council must streamline the permitting process to make it easier for businesses to operate in Airdrie, while ensuring “shovel-ready” land is available for those looking to relocate or expand. By removing unnecessary barriers and providing ready-to-develop sites, we can attract new investment, support local job growth, and strengthen the city’s economic foundation. The reasoning is simple: make it easier to do business in Airdrie.

Tanveer Taj: No response.

Karen Whittenbury: Options like grants, sponsors. Also getting small business a committee to be involved with city council so that they're at the table having those open conversations.

Tammy Yantz: I think we need to cut the red tape and speed up permitting. It takes to long!!

Councillor

6 To Be Elected

Tomisin (Tomi) Adenipekun: Climate is important, but affordability, safety, and infrastructure must come first. I don’t support blanket commitments like “net zero by 2050” if they drive up taxes. Instead, I’ll back practical measures ; energy efficiency in City facilities and smart investments that save money long-term.

Christopher Bakke: Long-term climate commitments like “net zero by 2050” are important—but they need to be grounded in local realities. Climate change should be part of City Hall’s planning, especially when it comes to infrastructure, energy use, and emergency preparedness. That said, it has to be balanced with core priorities like affordability, public safety, and reliable services. I’d support practical steps that reduce emissions while also improving daily life—like better transit, energy-efficient buildings, and smart land use. Climate action works best when it’s built into the things we’re already doing, not treated as a separate issue.

Darrell Belyk: No response.

Kurt Bigoraj: I do not feel the city need to be making any long term climate commitments. I do agree with the city builders building green homes, energy compliant homes, utilizing new industries such as solar power, utilizing heat pumps to heat our homes. Installing on demand hot water systems. All great for the climate

Darrin Budzak: No response.

Ron Chapman: No response.

Craig Dansereau: No, I do not agree with federal policies like net zero. Everything, including alternative energy, depends on oil & gas to exist. We should all do our part to limit the amount of pollution we emit. We have the cleanest air and water in the world and we should be focused on more important issues that contribute to the quality of life we experience.

Chris Glass: No response.

Kaur Inderjeet: No response.

Al Jones: To be honest, beyond being responsible, such as recycling, minimizing energy usage and such, the climate change issue is more governed through higher levels of government. I think we have our hands full ensuring a safe, affordable and enhanced lifestyle for our citizens. I’m not against being environmentally responsible, and I will certainly encourage responsible practices that make sense. I just feel we should leave those policies to the levels of government that are actually responsible for them, and unless directed to do so by those higher levels , I don’t see how distracting ourselves from our absolute responsibilities is beneficial to our tax payers at this time.

Candice Kolson: No, things change rapidly in environmentalism. I don't feel it is realistic to make promises. Planning can be done but it needs to be practical and prioritized with community needs also being met in parallel to being environmental stewards.

Kathlene McCuaig: Climate Commitment or Environmental Stewardship? My platform does include my personal vendetta against the re-instating of garbage and recycling containers in commercial plazas and spaces. Recycling, Disposal, Park Maintenance, Road Maintenance all contribute to public safety, less costly repairs and emergencies such as clogged waterways or sewers. Clean up after ourselves minimize disease risk and wildlife endangerment = climate control and making decision that point us towards zero emissions.

Rekha Mehay: No response.

Anthony Morvillo: No response.

Simisola Obasan: No response.

Jay Raymundo: Climate change is a global challenge—but its solutions often start at the local level. I believe the City should absolutely be making long-term climate commitments, including goals like “net zero by 2050,” but those commitments must be practical, transparent, and balanced with other core priorities. Here’s how I see it: Climate as a Strategic Priority Climate action isn’t separate from affordability, infrastructure, or public safety—it’s deeply connected. Energy-efficient buildings lower utility costs. Smarter transportation planning reduces congestion and emissions. Green spaces improve mental health and community resilience. So yes, climate should be a priority—but integrated into everything we do. Balanced Approach I would support: -Setting achievable climate targets with clear timelines and community input. - Investing in sustainable infrastructure that saves money long-term. - Partnering with local businesses and non-profits to promote green innovation and education. - Exploring incentives for energy-efficient homes and buildings, especially for lower-income residents. Climate action should be one of those goals—grounded in local impact and community benefit.

Maulik Shah: The affordability, public safety, or infrastructure aligns with City Councilor's duties. Climate commitments are important, but those issues are more driven by Federal and Provincial Governments.

Kristen Shima: Climate action is part of the sustainability ecosystem of a resilient community and city. There will always be competing priorities, but climate change is real. Cognitive dissonance with climate change is something that is heavily researched and evidence-based within society. It will take a local approach to address, but the question is.... how long do we wait? It is a social, economic, and environmental responsibility.

Shaganpreet Singh Sooch: No response.

Chad Stewart: Long-term climate commitments, such as “net zero by 2050,” can provide a valuable framework for guiding sustainable growth and responsible resource management. At the same time, City Hall must balance climate action with other pressing priorities, including affordability, public safety, and infrastructure. Climate initiatives should be integrated thoughtfully into city planning—supporting environmental sustainability without compromising the delivery of essential services or the financial stability of the community. By taking a pragmatic, long-term approach, Airdrie can address climate change while continuing to meet the immediate needs of its residents.

Tanveer Taj: No response.

Karen Whittenbury: No

Tammy Yantz: No, we need to care of local matters.

Councillor

6 To Be Elected

Tomisin (Tomi) Adenipekun: I am running as an independent candidate. I’m not affiliated with any provincial or federal party. Local government should focus on residents’ needs, not outside political agendas. My priority is Airdrie first, always.

Christopher Bakke: I’m not affiliated with any provincial or federal political party. I believe municipal government should stay focused on practical, local issues—not partisan politics. My goal is to represent Airdrie with integrity, listen to all voices, and make decisions based on what works for our community—not what fits a party line. That means staying independent, transparent, and grounded in real-world impact.

Darrell Belyk: No response.

Kurt Bigoraj: I am not affiliated with with any party but I do support and align with conservative ideas and values

Darrin Budzak: No response.

Ron Chapman: No response.

Craig Dansereau: I believe my values align best with the United Conservative Party of Alberta. I believe that every Albertan should have the opportunity to thrive and prosper if they work hard and have no intention of causing harm to others. I do not believe that the Liberals or NDP parties reflect these same values.

Chris Glass: No response.

Kaur Inderjeet: No response.

Al Jones: I hold no memberships with any political party. I am only responsible to the citizens I serve.

Candice Kolson: I am non-partisan independent. I do not now, nor have I ever held a membership to a political party.

Kathlene McCuaig: Nope. Since my first time at the polls voting to get beer into the corner stores (that's what being 18 means in Ontario) to working for the lone Reform Party of Canada candidate, to being lured by Liberal or Conservative or NDP platforms, I have learned to evaluate each election and each party based solely on 'what can you do for ME & MY FAMILY - THIS time?"

Rekha Mehay: No response.

Anthony Morvillo: No response.

Simisola Obasan: No response.

Jay Raymundo: I am running as an independent candidate for Airdrie City Council. My focus is entirely on serving the people of Airdrie through non-partisan, community-driven leadership. While I stay informed on provincial and federal issues, I believe municipal government should be about collaboration, practical solutions, and listening to residents—not party politics. My track record reflects that belief: from co-chairing Welcoming Airdrie and the Rocky View Local Immigration Partnership, to volunteering with seniors programs, school councils, and numerous local charities and non-profits. I’ve worked across sectors and with people of all backgrounds to build inclusive, responsive initiatives like Culture Fest, Taste of Nations, and our upcoming youth program NEXT GEN. I’m committed to representing all residents, regardless of political affiliation, and to making decisions based on what’s best for Airdrie—not what’s best for any party. That’s the kind of leadership I believe our city deserves. However, as a small business owner and family man - I would say I lean conservative.

Maulik Shah: I describe my political ideology as pragmatic conservatism- fiscally responsible, pro-business, and community-focused, without rigid party affiliations. I'm independent in municipal politics, drawing from conservative values like limited government and personal responsibility, but open to progressive ideas on social issues. This shapes my governance by emphasizing evidence-based decisions: Cutting waste in budgets, supporting entrepreneurs (as an engineer, I value innovation), and investing in family-friendly policies. In Airdrie, it means collaborative, non-partisan leadership to deliver results, not ideology.

Kristen Shima: My expertise lies in local community development for building strong cities, communities, and neighbourhoods. At a local level, a political party has the least impact or reach. It is about getting the work done on the ground level, and politics have minimal impact there. I would be curious to explore a thesis on it. That would be very interesting! I feel it comes down to values and who I am as a person and what I have to offer. My story is.... I was raised as a farm kid, on a 6th-generation family farm in Alberta. I know the value of hard work, ethics, and community. I feel I had to work extra hard to prove myself being a female, by accumulating much education and being a strong entrepreneur, building a successful business. I have served my community from the ground up, working alongside them in volunteer roles to service roles. In aligning with political parties, I have been all over the map, voting Conservative, Liberal, NDP, and even Green Party, depending on leadership and platforms. At the end of the day, I am a community builder working with people, getting the work done.

Shaganpreet Singh Sooch: No response.

Chad Stewart: No. I am not officially affiliated with any specific political party. I was a Conservative for 30 years, but over time, I’ve realized I can no longer support a party that undermines social programs, attacks pensions while securing generous benefits for itself, dismisses science-based policies, or underfunds schools and healthcare. Alberta is one of the wealthiest provinces, yet our essential services are consistently underfunded. I believe in pragmatic, fiscally responsible leadership. With smart planning and efficient use of resources, we can ensure everyone benefits. My 26 years at Eaton, retiring as a production manager, taught me how to maximize resources and achieve real results. Do I face criticism for these views? Of course. But I am committed to truth, responsibility, and making a meaningful impact. I care about our community and am dedicated to supporting all residents, regardless of their beliefs or lifestyle.

Tanveer Taj: No response.

Karen Whittenbury: I am not affiliated with any party.

Tammy Yantz: I align myself with the Conservative Party both provincially and federally. I believe in hard work, personal responsibility and local decision making by local people.