The city has begun an initiative highlighting the story of Airdrie; more specifically how the rapid growth of the city is putting pressure on infrastructure - infrastructure that in many cases is the province's responsibility. 

Mayor Peter Brown underlined that during his tenure as Mayor, the needs of Airdrie have been overlooked, especially when comparing Airdrie to other mid-sized communities in the province.

"If you look at the expenditures that go into other mid-sized communities in the area of health care, in the area of education, in the area of municipal infrastructure, in provincial infrastructure, Airdrie has not been served," he said. "We want to let everyone know exactly where we sit."

The city stated that with a population of over 80,000 residents currently, and with population projections placing over 100,000 residents living in Airdrie within the next seven years, resources and funding are crucial.

"Limited funding was directed Airdrie’s way in the 2023-24 Alberta Budget despite extensive advocacy for key community priorities. Funding for schools and health care upgrades (both provincial responsibilities) was announced, but very little dedicated funding was provided to support Alberta’s fastest-growing city," the city's website stated.

Healthcare continues to be a major concern

Healthcare continues to dominate the discussion amongst the public, and even though healthcare is a provincial jurisdiction, both the Mayor, city councillors, as well as foundations such as the Airdrie Health Foundation have been hammering home the message that the province can and must do more.

In its provincial budget, the Government of Alberta allocated $3 million for the planning of a North Calgary/Airdrie Regional Healthcare Centre, while $8.4 million was allocated  for upgrades to the Airdrie Urgent Care Centre

"It’s important to note that planning dollars are not a commitment for a hospital and even with committed construction funding, it takes years to build, staff and open a large healthcare facility," the city website underlined.

Schooling and education 

Like healthcare, education is also a provincial jurisdiction. However, with many schools within the Rocky View School District in Airdrie experiencing shortages in space and resources, the city is also committing to stepping up on residents' behalf. Rocky View Schools estimate that there will be 600 more high school students than spaces, by 2027 and 2014 was the last time a high school was opened in Airdrie. In 2014, Airdrie's population was 54,891.

The utilization rate of all Airdrie high schools is 104 per cent currently. RVS has a similar advocacy project, which encourages parents to voice their concerns to both their local MLAs as well as provincial officials. 

40th Avenue interchange 

According to the city, it was the province that had identified the interchange at Highway 2 and 40 Avenue was identified as a necessary project in the early 2000s. However, residents and municipal leaders have become increasingly irate about the fact that the bulk of costs were incurred by the city. While the government contributed a little over $11 in funding, the bulk, $53.4 million was the responsibility of the city. 

This has become an even thornier issue after the province recently announced that the $165 million overpass in Balzac at Range Road 566 (near Cross Iron Mills), would be fully funded by the province.

Mayor Brown said within the coming months there will be opportunities for the public and for businesses to become involved in helping to buttress the advocacy.

"Whether you're a business, whether you're an investor - to help us showcase to the province and other levels of government, that we're we are a growing concern. We need your help when it comes to building recreation facilities and needed infrastructure throughout the community."

If the population continues at its current rate, Airdrie will be the third-largest city in Alberta in less than 20 years.

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