Airdrie

Welcome

The city of Airdrie is one of the fastest growing communities in Canada. Capitalizing on the growth of the Calgary region, Airdrie is focused on the expansion of commercial and industrial development. Currently, there are new commercial/industrial developments underway, providing excellent opportunities for new regional commercial, light industrial and mixed use projects adjacent to the Calgary-Edmonton Corridor (Queen Elizabeth II Highway - Provincial Highway #2). Airdrie also provides an excellent opportunity for small business development, with a population of 34,116, an estimated primary trading area of 60,000 and easy access to over 1,000,000 people living in  Calgary, it is the perfect environment for storefront, home-based and manufacturing businesses.

Quick Facts about Airdrie

• Population - 34,116 (2008 Civic Census)
• Location - Calgary-Edmonton Corridor (Queen Elizabeth II Highway-Provincial Highway #2) 6 kilometres north of the city of Calgary and 32 kilometres north of Calgary's downtown 
• Lifestyle - Young, family oriented community with a focus on a high standard of living and building a sustainable city
• Local Economy - Local and regional retail, construction, manufacturing and professional services
• Easy access to local, regional, national and international markets (20 minutes north of the Calgary International Airport)

For more information about the city of Airdrie please contact:

Kent Rupert                    
Economic Development & Planning Team Leader
City of Airdrie
403.948.8800 Ext. 738
Email: kent.rupert@airdrie.ca

Sara Chamberlain
Economic Development Officer
City of Airdrie
403.948.8800 Ext.449
Email: sara.chamberlain@airdrie.ca

Leona Esau 
Economic Development Officer
City of Airdrie
403.948.8800 Ext.769
Email: leona.esau@airdrie.ca

Community & Opportunity

Area Overview

The city of Airdrie is positioned along the province of Alberta's key economic corridor. Located on the Calgary-Edmonton Corridor (Queen Elizabeth II Highway - Provincial Highway #2), 6 kilometres from Calgary (32 kilometres from downtown) and 280 kilometres south of Edmonton, the city attracts development by providing access to regional, national and international markets. The growth of this bustling community of 31,500 can be attributed to its strategic location in the Calgary region.

The province of Alberta is a leader in the Canadian economy. Alberta has had the fastest growing economy in Canada over the past two decades, with real GDP growth averaging 3.7 percent per year. Highlighting Alberta's success in the past year is:

• Over $73.2 billion in international exports of goods and services (2004)
• Manufacturing shipments of $52.6 billion (2004)
• Creation of 40,000 new jobs in 2004 and 433,900 between 1994 and 2004
• Over $103 billion in major capital projects are proposed, announced, under construction or recently completed (2004)

Source: Alberta Economic Development www.alberta-canada.com

Alberta's Positive Business Climate

• The lowest overall taxes in Canada
• No provincial sales tax
• No general capital or payroll taxes prevalent in other provinces and U.S. states
• A highly entrepreneurial and competitive business community
• A fiscally responsible government that has eliminated its provincial debt, demonstrating to investors the business-like attitude of the government
• A highly skilled, educated and motivated workforce that is the most productive in Canada

Source: Alberta Economic Development www.alberta-canada.com

Airdrie and the Calgary-Edmonton Corridor

In 2003, TD Bank Financial Group detailed the growth potential of the Calgary-Edmonton Corridor (the Corridor is defined along the major north/south transportation route of the Queen Elizabeth II Highway - Provincial Highway #2). Airdrie is located directly on the corridor with 20 million vehicles a year passing through the city. Building on the success of this region, the recently annexed lands adjacent to the Highway are currently under development in the four quadrants of the city.

The Corridor is a low cost place to do business, has a young and diverse population and world class infrastructure supporting business development and attracting both people and investment to Airdrie and Alberta.

Source: The Calgary-Edmonton Corridor: Take Action Now to Ensure the Tiger's Roar Doesn't Fade, April 2003. TD Bank Financial Group.

Location

Longitude and Latitude
Longitude - 114 degrees 1'
Latitude - 51 degrees 18'

Highway Location
North/South - Queen Elizabeth II Highway (formerly Provincial Highway #2)
East/West - Secondary Highway 567

Proximity to Other Centres

Economic Base

In April 2005, Airdrie participated in a regional project to survey businesses to update the business directory hosted on AlbertaFirst.com and collect baseline data to identify industry structure, lead employers and exporters in the Calgary Region. Over 900 businesses were contacted in Airdrie, for a detailed business directory go to www.albertafirst.com/directory and search Airdrie.

Retail and Services

• Airdrie provides a number of retail outlets and services to meet the needs of the local population and surrounding area
• Airdrie is a retail and commercial service centre for a trading area of approximately 60,000 people, with clear access to Calgary markets of one million people
• The main commercial area is located in a north/south corridor running the full length of Main Street anchored at each end with regional commercial centres
  • In the north with Real Canadian Superstore, Canadian Tire and Mark's Work Wearhouse
  • In the south with Totem, CO-OP, Walmart Supercentre and Home Depot
• The City of Airdrie has been investing in infrastructure upgrades to the Central Business District (downtown) home to a variety of financial, medical and community services, as well as specialty retail, restaurant and entertainment businesses
• Airdrie has one enclosed mall, anchored by Safeway, featuring a number of retail and restaurant establishments
  • Currently under extensive reconstruction/renovation.  

Construction

• Growth in Airdrie and the Calgary Region has lead to the development of a prospering construction industry
• The construction industry accounts for almost 20 percent of the Airdrie business community
• This ranges from design, specialty trades, private contractors and development companies
• Information on builders and building statistics can be found by visiting http://www.airdrie.ca/building_inspections/statistics_2007.cfm 

Financial and Business Services

• Airdrie has all major professional services to support business development
• Airdrie has representation from six national banks, as well as a number of private and public alternative lending companies
• Included in this sector is the thriving real estate industry, which offers both residential and commercial services (see economic facts section for details)

Economic Facts

Land

In 2004, Airdrie annexed nearly 3,000 acres to support future growth. Presently, four new commercial and industrial areas are under development

• Sierra Springs Industrial Park (Southwest) Michelle Constant, Hopewell Development Corporation, ph: 403-410-5673, web: www.hopewell.com
• King’s Heights (Southeast) Graeme Melton, Melcor Developments Ltd., ph: 403-270-1294, web: www.melcor.ca
• Gateway Industrial Park (Northwest) Stephen Lee, Citiland Group, ph: 403-264-7177
• Highlands Business Park (Northeast) Dave Gormley, Beedie Development Corporation, ph: 604-909-8714, web: www.beediegroup.ca

For more specific information on these developments visit City of Airdrie Neighbourhood Structure Plans

Demographics

The population of Airdrie is 31,512. This represents a 43.3% growth in population over the last five years. The 2007 Civic Census revealed the following statistics:

• Median age group is 30-34 years
• Males outnumber females in 12 out of 17 age groups
• Females outnumber males in age groups 25-29, 30-34, 45-49, 70-74 and 75+. 
• 95% of Airdrie's population is under 65 years old
• 72.3% is under 45 years old
• 37.7% is under 25 years old

Source:City of Airdrie Census Results 2007

Growth

• Airdrie has already surpassed growth projections identified in the City of Airdrie Growth Study (2001), under these projections the city was estimated to reach 65, 000 people by 2031
• This would be comparable to the current size Red Deer or Lethbridge. For more information on growth projections click here City Plans

Airdrie Building Statistics

• Construction values for the first two quarters of 2005 have exceeded 2004 Total Construction Values by 49%
• Significant increases have been seen in R-4 with an 85% increase and a 33% increase commercial/industrial construction values in the first two quarters of 2005 have surpassed 2004 totals
• For more detailed building statistics visit www.airdrie.ca/building/stats.cfm

Labour

• The average unemployment rate for the Calgary Region was 3.7% in May 2005 this is comparable to the provincial unemployment rate of 3.6%

The table below outlines average hourly wages in Alberta for different industries.

Average Hourly Wages in Alberta

Major Employers in Airdrie

Airdrie is building a diverse economic base with lead employers in manufacturing, transportation and logistics and retail.

Business Services

Key businesss services are available in Airdrie, including a number of accounting, law and real estate firms to support business development. In addition, financing options includes traditional and alternative lending services.

Financial Institutions

Real Estate Agencies

Average Housing Prices in Airdrie

Source:Calgary Real Estate Board, 2005, CREB Housing Statistics Business Resources

Business Resources

Utilities

Water

• For information on Alberta regulations for water and waste water please visit Alberta Environment
• Airdrie's water requirements are served by a direct pipeline from the City of Calgary. All usage (residential and non-residential) is metered.
• For current water rates visit City of Airdrie Utilities

Electricity and Natural Gas

• Electricity and natural gas are deregulated in Alberta
• The Alberta government provides a Web site to provide information to assist consumers to choose the appropriate provider for their residence or business. To learn more about electrical or natural gas providers visit www.customerchoice.gov.ab.ca

Telephone and Internet

• Telephone line rental is provided by TELUS Communications Inc.
• High speed internet service is available through Telus (see link above) or Shaw Cable

Waste Management

• Residential garbage collection is once per week
• Households are limited to two (75-110 litre) per week
• Excess waste is collected based on the rate of $1 per bag
• No garbage service is provided for non-residential customers, companies are repsonsible for making their own arrangements

Airdrie Recycling Depot

Located at 15 East Lake Hill
Tel: 403.948.0246

The Depot accepts the following recyclables:

• White office paper
• Mixed colour paper & magazines
• Newspaper
• Cardboard
• Colour & clear glass
• Household metal
• Plastic milk jugs
• Telephone books
• Aerosol cans
• Cardboard milk cartons
• Used oil, oil filters and oil
• Propane
• Electric waste (Computers, TVs and cell phones)
• Used clothing
• Used antifreeze/containers
• Vehicle batteries and recharable batteries
• Grass, leaves and garden waste (Accepted from May to Oct)
• Paint (Accepted May to Oct)
• Household hazardous waste (Accepted May to Oct)

Taxation

City of Airdrie Assessment and Taxation Information

• For current Assessment and Taxation Rates please visit www.airdrie.ca/assess-tax/t-rates.cfm
• For current Non-residential Assessment and Taxation Comparison info. please visit www.airdrie.ca/assess-tax/t-nr-comp.cfm
• For current Residential Assessment and Taxation Comparison info. please visit www.airdrie.ca/assess-tax/t-r-comp.cfm

2009 Business License Fees

Type of License	Amount
Resident	$100
Non-resident	$200
Less than 72 hours, or 3 days cummulative	$50
Transfer of license to new owner	$20

Transportation

Air Services

Calgary International Airport

• Ten minute drive from Airdrie
• For a listing of non-stop passenger destinations visit Passenger Non-stop Destinations
• Provides a single hub location that specializes in a wide range of services including receiving, transferring, storing, and distributing air, rail and highway cargo both domestically and internationally
• The airport offers 360 degree market penetration for International cargo & passenger carriers. 50 million people can be reached within a days travel
• Calgary is the ‘ONLY’ Canadian airport strategically located on the cross roads of the Trans Canada (East-West) and the CanaMex Trade Corridor (North-South) Cargo Information

Rail Services

• Airdrie is located along the Calgary-Edmonton Rail line of the Canadian Pacific Railway (north/south) rail access is currently unavailable in Airdrie. For information on frieght services with CPR visit Canadian Pacific Railway

Highways

• Airdrie is located on the Queen Elizabeth II Highway (formally Provincial Highway #2) and is part of the Canamex Highway System
• In 2004, an average of 50,080 passed through Airdrie per day www.trans.gov.ab.ca
• East-west access to the Trans Canada Highway #1 takes only 14 minutes
• Additional east-west access is available along Highway #567

Community Lifestyle

A Vision of Airdrie

Airdrie will be known as the safe, friendly and caring city. Our diverse community will be the 'best place to raise a family'. Residents will be proud of their vibrant community spirit and their commitment to pull together to make things happen! Foresight and effective development planning will ensure quality housing choices, parks and leisure amenities, and expanding business and local employment opportunities. Airdrie will be 'technology friendly' - capitalizing on the opportunities of the information age.

AirdrieLIFE is . . .guaranteed satisfaction!

The results are in for 2005 and Airdrie residents love their city. The survey shows that 93 per cent of residents surveyed, rate the quality of life as good or very good. Even better news if you have children and are thinking about moving here, 97 percent of respondents with children have Airdrie a big thumbs up! (AirdrieLIFE Spring/Summer, 2005)

To read the full details of the statisfaction survey go to 2004 Citizen Satisfaction Survey

Airdrie Community Profiles

Airdrie offers a number of communities for new residents to choose from.
Click here to locate Airdrie Communities

For real estate information contact an Airdrie Realtor.

Choosing to live in Airdrie is in part choosing a community lifestyle. Airdrie has a high quality life and is often chosen as an ideal location to raise a family.

Education

Airdrie has an excellent education system catering to more than 3,500 students. Elementary, middle schools, high school, private school, Catholic school and French immersion schools are available.

The public schools are part of the Rocky View School Division #44, soon to be relocated to Airdrie. To learn more about the Rocky View School Division visit www.rockyview.ab.ca.

The separate schools are part of the Calgary Catholic School Division #1, headquartered in Calgary. To learn more about the Calgary Catholic School Division visit www.cssd.ab.ca.

Daycare/Nursery

• Airdrie Daycare Centre
• Airdrie Family Services
• Kidsland Pre-School
• Airdrie Nursery School
• Christian Playschool
• East Lake Little People's Playschool
• Fuzzy Pickles Playschool

Public Schools

• A.E. Bowers (K-4)
• Ecole Airdrie Middle (5-8)
• Edwards Elementary (K-4)
• R.J. Hawkey (K-4)
• Ralph McCall (K-8)
• Muriel Clayton Middle (4-8)
• Rocky View Virtual School (9-12)
• Meadowbrook Middle (5-8)
• Bert Church High (9-12)
• George McDougall High (9-12)

Separate Schools

• Our Lady Queen of Peace School (K-6)
• St. Martin de Porres (7-12)

Private Schools

• Airdrie Koinonia Christian School (K-12)

Other Education Facilities

• Academy of Learning
• Bow Valley College
• Rockyview Adult Education
• Sylvan Learning Center

Post Secondary

The city of Airdrie is just minutes away from world-class education facilities. Airdrie's proximity to Calgary allows students the opportunity to attend post-secondary institutions with minimal travel. If you wish to stay within Airdrie then Bow Valley College, Athabasca College and other universities offer many correspondence courses.

Education opportunities include:

• Bow Valley College
  Tel: 403-297-4040
  www.bowvalleycollege.ca
• University of Calgary
  Tel: 403-2205110
  www.ucalgary.ca
• Southern Alberta Institute of Technology
  Tel: 403-284-7248
  www.sait.ab.ca
• Mount Royal
  Tel: 403-240-6111
  www.mountroyal.ab.ca
• Alberta College of Art and Design
  Tel: 403-284-7600
  www.acad.ab.ca
• Devry Canada
  Tel: 403-235-3450
  www.devry.ca
• Athabasca University
  Tel: 403-263-6465
  www.athabascau.ca

Health Care

Airdrie has a full range of medical services including:

• Medical clinics
• Medical laboratories
• Dentists
• Chiropractors
• Optometrists
• Physiotherapists
• Community Health Centre
• Home-based health services
• Health clinics

To access contact information for these services visit the Albertafirst.com Business Directory

Hospitals

Hospital care is available 20 - 30 minutes from Airdrie at any one of Calgary's five hospitals:

• Peter Lougheed Centre of Calgary General
• Foothills Medical Centre
• Rockyview General Hospital
• Alberta Children's Hospital
• South Calgary Health Centre

Alternatively residents can travel 20-30 minutes north of Airdrie to the Didsbury and Olds hospitals.

Emergency Services

Airdrie Emergency Services

• Airdrie Emergency Services department is an intergrated service providing both fire and medical response
• Service is provided to Airdrie proper as well as specific areas within the Municipal District of Rockyview
• AES has a team of full-time Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians all with dual training in fire fighting  

Police Services

• The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (R.C.M.P.) have a local detachment in Airdrie, (Telephone: 911)

Municipal Enforcement

• The Airdrie Municipal Enforcement Team consists of a group of Special Constables, one Coordinator and two full-time Administrative Assistants
• The Special Constables are responsible for enforcing local legislation, animal control and some provincial legislation and minor criminal code offences

Community Services

City of Airdrie Services

City Hall
400 Main Street SE
Airdrie, AB T4B 3C3
Tel: 403-948-8800
Fax: 403-948-6567

Airdrie Recyling Depot
15 East Lake Hill
Tel:403-948-0246

Airdrie Transit
400 Main Street SE
Airdrie, AB T4B 3C3
www.airdrie.ca/transit
Tel:403-948-8888

Community Service Organizations

Airdrie Family Services
604 Mains St S.
Tel:403-912-8451

Airdrie Regional Health Centre
604 Main St S.
Tel: 403-912-8400

Airdrie Public Library 
www.airdriepubliclibrary.ca
111, 304 Main St S 
Tel:403-948-0600

Airdrie Food Bank
www.airdriefoodbank.com
Tel: 912-8500

Airdrie Meals on Wheels
Tel: 815-1400  

Recreation Facilities

• Plainsmen & Twin Arenas (three ice rinks) 
• Airdrie Kinsmen Splash Park
• Town and Country Centre (curling rinks, meeting halls)
• Monklands Soccer Park
• Chinook Winds Ball Park
• Bicycle Motorcross Track (BMX)
• Bert Church Performing Arts Theatre
• Nose Creek Museum
• Tennis courts
• 36 km of paved pathways
• 578 acres of parks, school grounds
• 32 playgrounds
• 31 soccer fields
• 22 ball diamonds

Woodside Golf Course

One of the best kept golf courses in the Calgary Area
Woodside is laid out over the finest parkland in Southern Alberta, offering lush fairways and immaculate greens, all within a short 22 minute drive from downtown Calgary. We invite you to join us and discover Woodside, where the atmosphere is casual, but the golf is taken seriously!
To learn more about Woodside Golf Course visit their Web site at
www.woodsidegc.com

Genesis Place 
800 East Lake Blvd NE
Tel:403-948-8844

Ever since the new $12 million East Lake Recreation and Wellness Centre opened lin 2005, Airdrie and area residents have been making fitness and fun a big part of their weekly activities.

This state of the art facility offers residents:

• Water slide
• 6 Lane 25 metre pool
• Leisure pool
• Public/family and corporate change rooms
• Lazy river
• Steam room
• Hot tub
• Dance studio
• Full-size gymnasium
• Fitness centre
• Multipurpose rooms

Climate

Average Temperature

January
Maximum temperature = -2.8 Celcius
Minimum temperature = -15.1 Celcius

July
Maximum temperature = 22.9 Celcius
Minimum temperature = 9.4 Celcius

Annual percipitation = 412.6 mm
Days of sunshine = 332.9
Winds speed = 14.8 km/h W and NW

Source: Environment Canada

Key Contacts

Municipal

City of Airdrie
400 Main Street SE
Airdrie, Alberta
T4B 3C3
Tel: 403-948-8800
Fax: 403-948-6567

Mayor Linda Bruce
Tel: 403-948-8800
Email:mayor@airdrie.ca

George Keen
City Manager
Tel: 403-948-8821
Email: city.manager@airdrie.ca

Kent Rupert
Planning & Economic Development Team Leader
City of Airdrie
Tel: 403-948-8800
Ext. 738
Email: kent.rupert@airdrie.ca

Provincial

Walter Valentini, Director
Alberta Economic Development
#300, 639 - 5th Avenue, SW
Calgary, Alberta
T2P 0M9
Tel: 403-297-8920
Fax: 403-297-6168
Email: walter.valentini@gov.ab.ca

Rob Anderson 
Member of the Legislative Assembly [MLA]
Airdrie-Chestermere Constituency
Box 5257
209 Bowers Street
Airdrie, AB
Canada T4B 2B3
Tel: (403) 948-8741
Toll-Free: 1-888-948-8741
Fax: (403) 948-8744
e-mail: airdrie.chestermere@assembly.ab.ca

Federal

Blake Richards 
Member of Parliament [MP]
Wild Rose Constituency
Constituency Office:
16-620 1st Avenue Northwest
Airdrie, Alberta
T4B 2R3
Tel: 403-948-5103
Toll Free: 1-800-667-0410
Fax: 403-948-0879
e-mail: blake@blakerichards.ca