Investment Announcement: StoreWest Brings Premium Storage and Car Wash to Airdrie

StoreWest has invested millions in Sierra Springs with a Class A storage facility and express car wash, betting on Airdrie's explosive growth and strong demographics as it expands its national footprint.

The Calgary-based company, which develops properties and operates under the Bluebird Self Storage and Great White Car Wash brands, opened its 800-unit Airdrie facility in the fall of 2025 and has already captured 15 per cent occupancy alongside more than 1,000 car wash members - exceeding initial projections.

For Scott Morrison, StoreWest Chief Development Officer and Partner, this project isn't just business; it's his backyard.

“We took the storage business across Canada, but it was time to bring back what we had perfected in other markets to my hometown,” said Morrison. “It’s been a labour of love to see the uptake in this new business. We built in the right place, at the right time, for the right community.”

Morrison and his wife have lived in Airdrie for 21 years and raised their twin sons in the community. After spending a decade perfecting the storage model across Canada with the Bluebird brand, he championed bringing the concept home.

Steve Elliott, Vice-President of Investments was on board.

"We did all our metrics and it makes a ton of sense," said Elliott. "There's a need for it in Airdrie."

StoreWest identified Airdrie's near-90,000 population, working-class demographics and cooperative municipal government as key factors. The company partnered with Ronmor Developments, one of Calgary's largest private landowners, in a joint venture on the Sierra Springs location.

"We are helping solve the challenges of densification so people can live in modern condos but still keep the lifestyle and toys that make living in Alberta great," said Elliott.

The facilities target modern needs: climate-controlled storage for densifying communities.

"Most people think of storage as barbed wire fences and corrugated steel,” said Elliott. “We are building Class A facilities that feel like a hotel lobby. We want our customers - especially families - to feel safe dropping off a Christmas tree or picking up seasonal gear. It’s about convenience, safety and extending your home, not just renting a locker."

At Great White, the express tunnel car wash is capable of washing 100 vehicles per hour. The wash was built to facilitate recycling up to 60 per cent of the water and the team is working with the City of Airdrie to enable this feature in the near future. Great White's membership model – unlimited washes starting at $45 monthly – mirrors gym memberships.

"We want them to feel like we're part of the community," said Elliot. "We want to be like, 'Oh, I'm going to the Co-op, I'm going to drop off my stuff [and get a wash].' It's convenient."

StoreWest now operates six car washes across Alberta and a couple dozen storage locations nationally, with facilities in Halifax, Quebec City, Victoria, Montreal, Toronto and Edmonton. Morrison confirmed expansion plans for a second Airdrie location when market conditions align.

Learn more at storewest.ca