The population of the city of Airdrie is projected to more than double by the year 2029.

According to the city census results from 2018*, 68,091 people call Airdrie ‘home’, That’s an increase of 30,000 since 2009.

A recently released report, the “North Calgary Regional Transportation Study”, suggests the population will grow by two and a half times over the next 20 years to 155,000 based on the population as of 2015 which was 60,000.

It’s a huge amount of growth to consider, however, Deputy Mayor Ron Chapman said the projections are accurate based on previous growth.

“2028 they’re saying 110,000 people I don’t think they’re out of line with that,” Chapman said. “This year we’re probably going to be around 72,000. If the economy comes back we’re going to get more families moving to Airdrie just because we’re such a great community to be in.”

The growth estimates also highlight the need for new and improved infrastructure in and around Airdrie.

As part of the study, several transportation projects in Airdrie, north Calgary, Cochrane Rocky View County and Chestermere were ranked from highest to lowest priority. Three of those projects involved Airdrie and were all within the top four.

Chapman said it’s important for the province to take a look at the rapid growth and invest in projects that will make way for that population increase.

“At 155,000 [people] in 2039, obviously the infrastructure we’re going to need is traffic infrastructure off the highway. We need that now,” Chapman explained. “Number two on that list is the 40th Avenue overpass and hopefully we have something moving on that very quickly.”

Chapman said the city is hoping to have a sit down meeting with new Alberta Transportation Minister Ric McIvor in the near future to discuss the needs of the City of Airdrie and its residents.

The deputy mayor also said city councils will need to start looking at spending more on improving and increasing services for the community both now and in the future.

“More recreation centres, parks, playgrounds, pathways,” said Chapman. “As the city grows we need to keep doing that.”

 

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* The 2019 municipal census is still being conducted so there are no results yet for this year.