May 22, 2025 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Airdrie, Alberta – The City of Airdrie is excited to relaunch the Downtown Incentives Program following Council approval on Tuesday. This continues the momentum of downtown revitalization that saw 21 successful applications supporting a $1.52 million reinvestment in the City’s core.
“Downtown is the heart of our city and we’re starting to see the real impact of our investment,” said Mayor Peter Brown. “This program is helping us create the kind of downtown where people want to be—whether it’s to open a business, attend an event or spend time with family and friends.”
The 2024 program brought visible improvements to storefronts, public spaces and pedestrian areas, while streamlining application approvals from the provincially mandated 40 days to just 10 business days. The City also introduced a Brownfield Development guide to help property owners unlock potential in underused sites.
When Council adopted the Downtown Revitalization Plan, they committed to clear objectives: support reinvestment, create a vibrant city core and maximize funding tools. That vision is being backed by action — including the Downtown Incentives Program and the Community Revitalization Levy (CRL), which keeps more local property tax dollars in Airdrie.
The CRL redirected $441,000 in tax revenue in 2024 and is projected to reach $509,000 in 2025. These funds are already supporting priority projects, including:
“These incentives create energy, momentum and show other businesses what’s possible,” said Adena Malyk, Downtown Revitalization Coordinator. “With renewed interest from business and property owners and strong attendance at events like the Main Street Music Festival and Ribfest, it’s clear the community is rallying around downtown.”
In-person efforts supported the program’s success with 92 business connections, three events and three City-led activations in 2024.
The City is continuing work on downtown-related projects, including the railway policy and guide, the detailed downtown parking study, Nose Creek corridor improvements and the Downtown banner program.
Applications for the downtown incentives program will open in early June. Full program details will be available at www.airdrie.ca/downtown.
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Media contact:
Communications, Engagement & Marketing
City of Airdrie
corporate.communications@airdrie.ca