To move forward with the city's incentives for downtown revitalization a bylaw amendment was passed at today's city council meeting to add the Downtown Plan and Community Revitalization Levy (CRL) area into the Land Use Bylaw (LUB).

Willow Czaban explained to council that the term 'overlay' as presented in the agenda report is similar to other areas within the LUB.

"We already have a similar framework in place where we have special rules that are treated outside of the general regulations for development within the airport vicinity protection area, and the noise exposure forecasts both for the Airdrie Air Park as well as Calgary International, Czaban said. 

The amended bylaw shows a map of the Downtown Plan and CRL boundary area, and according to Czaban, it would add an administrative clause to account for the potential of any conflicts.

ccTo move forward with the city's incentives for downtown revitalization a bylaw amendment was passed at today's city council meeting to add the Downtown Plan and Community Revitalization Levy (CRL) area into the Land Use Bylaw (LUB). (Graphic credit to City of Airdrie) 

"... So that one reading the rules and standards would know that the special regulations would supersede anything that it conflicted with and the general regulations in the Land Use Bylaw."

The amendment also sets the development officer as the authority responsible for making decisions on development permit applications within the downtown area. Czaban underlined that shifting the discretion to the development officer, such a move would impact timelines.

"The incentive policies speak to a specific turnaround where the city would be issuing decisions on these types of applications within 10 business days. It is important that we deliver on these processes to streamline and to make sure that we're addressing the speed and consistency of these applications."

City documents add that the principal objective of Our Core Strategy is to “accelerate redevelopment”.

"Private investment is best achieved by providing speed and certainty for decision-making. Council has previously expressed the desire to provide this certainty by adopting first the incentive resolutions, and then the subsequent Council Policy. In the adoption of the CRL Plan, Council estimated that there would be seven properties primed for redevelopment in the “low” scenario and 21 in the “high” scenario, limiting the extent of this authority transference."

Before the bylaw amendment, the timelines for reporting to the Community Infrastructure and Strategic Growth Committee (CISG) required 19 days in addition to any administrative reviews that are done. 

"All of these work together in terms of advancing council's priority to allow for a better opportunity to redevelop and to ensure that we are falling in line with those proposed initiatives from Council strategic priorities and the area redevelopment plan itself," Czaban said.

Adena Malyk, City of Airdrie, Downtown Revitalization Coordinator added that the amendment would provide speed and certainty to the development industry when choosing to build new projects within our community revitalization levy area. 

"The proposal of a downtown overlay within the Land Use Bylaw, that transitions development authority to the development officer is a logical conclusion of implementing the direction set by council with multiple decisions since 2018. The expedited permitting processes can stimulate economic growth by encouraging investment in development."

She underlined that developers and property owners are more likely to invest in projects when they can obtain necessary permits quickly.

"Council may have concerns on the number of files this would apply to the expedited process, but [it] potentially applies up to 15 times, and only a small percentage of that would potentially be discretionary, which would under current processes be reviewed by."

According to Malyk, in the past five years, 43 per cent of all files that went to the previous Municipal Planning Commission for approval were development permits, and of those, 29 per cent were for new developments or redevelopment.

"The outcome for all of those were approvals without challenge."

Earlier on Tuesday, The City announced the launch of a comprehensive suite of downtown incentives aimed at revitalizing downtown.

"With incentive information live today and applications open May 1, these incentives are part of Airdrie’s proactive approach to supporting existing businesses, attracting new investment and fostering a lively, economically robust downtown core," The City stated.

Incentives include:

  • Parking structure subsidy: Helping developers mitigate construction costs for parking solutions that reduce the footprint of required parking and promote efficient land use.
  • Beautification: Facilitating the enhancement of business curb appeal and the pedestrian experience with spaces that are welcoming and enjoyable to use
  • Facade improvement grant: Financial support for businesses looking to enhance the visual appeal of storefronts and streetscapes, encouraging a welcoming downtown environment.
  • Patio grant: Funding for new and improved patios at food and beverage establishments, expanding outdoor seating and providing more space for customers to dine or relax.
  • Activation and collaboration grant: Aiding entities in organizing events or programs that draw people into Downtown, contributing to its vibrancy and appeal.
  • Environmental site assessment grants: Provides financial assistance for necessary environmental assessments, facilitating safe and cost-effective redevelopment projects.
  • Expedited permit review process: A commitment to faster development permit decisions, streamlining the process for new projects and contributing to downtown’s momentum.

Airdrie Mayor, Peter Brown stated that The City is committed to creating a downtown that serves as a vibrant hub for gatherings and enhances the economic value of the area.

"Economic prosperity is a key focus area for Airdrie Council and we’re hoping that these incentives will catalyze sustainable development Downtown."

Malyk added that by reducing urban sprawl and using vacant land, the City aims to create a downtown that attracts more residents, shoppers and visitors.

"We’ve heard from businesses and property owners that the beautification and façade improvement grants would positively impact businesses. We’re looking forward to receiving applications and supporting the transformation of Downtown."

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