City Manager’s Message

2009 was a year of recovery and growth for Airdrie. After the economic downfall of 2008, we had a tight budget to work within. We had to be creative. We had to re-focus. We had to learn how to get the job done with the resources we had. Resourcefulness, innovation and ingenuity from our City staff helped us achieve our goals. We became more effective and efficient in many processes and business practices helping the City to also improve service delivery and maximize our resources.   

A Year in Review 

In 2009, we saw a turnaround of many key economic indicators. The City of Airdrie saw $201 million in construction value in 2009 compared to $184 million in 2008. Permit levels increased the second half of 2009, from the same period in 2008 with the busiest month being November 2009.

The City also celebrated many successes with the acknowledgement of two major projects. The City was awarded for its exceptional AirdrieNOW website by the International Economic Development Council, promoting the City of Airdrie for business and investment attraction. The City also was successful with the creation of our online Census System. We received an international award for our census system in the Urban and Regional Information Systems Association Exemplary systems in Government in the Single Process category. These awards showcase the innovation and entrepreneurial thinking at the City of Airdrie.

Fiscal Responsibility 

Airdrie continues to be one of the most fiscally responsible communities in Alberta. In comparison to five other similar municipalities in Alberta, Airdrie has had the lowest average net municipal property taxes per capita for the last few years in the latest Financial Indicator Report. Airdrie is 27 percent lower than average and 47 percent below the group maximum. All operating costs are captured in that statistic, regardless of how the service is delivered, which is particularly meaningful as all municipalities deliver essentially the same services.

  Administration is very proud to be delivering such outstanding results to the residents of Airdrie. As recognition for our reporting excellence, the City Finance Team has received the Canadian Award for Financial Reporting. The award is for excellence in governmental accounting and financial reporting and represents a significant accomplishment by a municipal government and its management. This is the first time we have received this award and we are very proud of our team for achieving this significant level of success. This prestigious award reflects North American best practices for annual financial reporting. We also won the Canadian Award for Financial Reporting for financial reporting and high quality reports. 

2010 Projects and Budget 

The 2010 budget focuses on responding to the concerns in the 2009 Citizen Satisfaction Survey, concentrating on the top five mentions including: infrastructure, traffic, roads, train tracks, and construction (54%); rapid growth management (15%); health care - not enough hospitals, doctors, clinics (12%); snow removal (10%); crime - drugs/community safety/lack of policing (7%).
 

Highlighted projects from the 2010 budget include: 

• Construction of the Kings Heights Emergency Services station is expected to begin in the spring 

• New RCMP office space is expected to be under construction by the fall of 2010 

• Gymnastic facility retrofit at Ron Ebbesen Arena 

• Completion of the Veterans Boulevard and widening of 8th Street 

• Fleet Bay expansion 

• Plainsman Arena upgrade 

• Three new RCMP officers 

• Annexation proposal with Rocky View County to allow for implementation by year end 2010 

• A transit connection to Calgary should be launched by September 2010 

• This summer the City will experiment with using storm ponds for irrigation of City parks. 

• Enhancements to Chinook Winds Park will continue. Another spray park will be added as part of our commitment to regional parks. 

2010 will be another year or building our great city with many more features and improvements for our citizens to enjoy!


Paul Schulz
Chief Administrative Officer, City of Airdrie
Email: City Manager