airdrielife fall2005

AirdrieLIFEf a l l / w i n t e r 2 0 0 5 • v o l u m e 2 • n u m b e r 1 • w w w . a i r d r i e . c a

THE OFFICIAL GUIDE TO LIFEIN THE CITY OF AIRDRIE

Inside this issue: meet the "first lady" of Airdrie, mark your calendar with events, learn the new transit routes, read about city services and much more

Canada $3.00

Fall in love withone of Airdrie’sgreat communities

The AirdrieFestival of Lightswants you!

Fall in love withone of Airdrie’sgreat communities

The AirdrieFestival of Lightswants you!

AirdrieLIFE_cover_vol2 10/23/05 9:14 PM

4 AirdrieLIFE • fall/winter 2005 • volume 1

cityLIVING AirdrieLIFEVolume 2 • Number 1

PUBLISHER MARKETING 4U

EDITOR Sherry Shaw-Froggatt

ADVERTISINGDIRECTOR Kathy Anderson

PRODUCTIONMANAGER Kim Williams

For editorial inquiriesemail: [email protected]

For advertising inquiriesemail: [email protected]

403-266-7154

City Contacts:Kent RupertTara Richards403-948-8800

Printing: Calgary Colorpress

AirdrieLIFE is published twiceper year by MARKETING 4U in

conjunction with the City of AirdrieEconomic Development Department

AirdrieLIFE is delivered to over30,000 homes in Airdrie

and surrounding communities.

Additional copies are available atAirdrie City Hall400 Main StreetAirdrie, Alberta

The publisher does not assume anyresponsibility for the contents of any

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publisher. No portion of this publicationmay be reproduced, in all or in part, without the written permission of the publisher. Canadian publications mail

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Welcome to Airdrie

TIME DOES FLY! And fall is here already, and with it the third edition ofAirdrieLIFE. I invite you to take a look through this fantastic magazine full ofeverything to do with living in Airdrie. I moved here 14 years ago with my

husband to start a family. We were looking for a place supporting family values, withamenities and facilities for our active lifestyle. My family and I are avid users of all thefacilities, schools, parks and we participate in many of Airdrie’s community groups andattend all the great events.

Ask an Airdrie resident what they love most about our city and the response you getwill vary from the friendliness of the people to the beautiful pathways. Airdrie hostsmany family events such as the Airdrie Pro Rodeo attracting professional cowboysfrom all over North America allowing you to sit as close as you can get to all the action.The Canada Day parade is also a popular event drawing thousands along the paraderoute. In December, the Festival of Lights attracts over 100,000 people to discover orrediscover the magic of Christmas, transforming one of our central locations, NoseCreek Park, into a winter wonderland. On any given weekend there is something towatch, see, or try in the community.

In 2003, the City completed Phase I of the East Lake Recreation and Wellness Centrehousing a number of pools such as lane pool, diving tank, leisure pool with spray fea-tures, a lazy river and a waterslide. The Wellness Centre also has a state of the art fit-ness centre, gymnasium and multipurpose rooms for the community to utilize.Whether you are seven or 70, the Wellness Centre has something for you. In the nextcouple of years the Centre will be adding twin soccer pitches, a gymnastics club and anindoor running track. The third and final phase will include a twin hockey arena.

The city has a wide variety of different community service groups active in the com-munity as well as world renowned sporting clubs such as the Airdrie BMX Club,Airdrie Gymnastics Club and Air Cadets, dance clubs and much more to meet bothyour and your children’s needs.

Why is Airdrie such a great place to live, work and play? You’ll discover it on the pagesof this magazine...what are you waiting for!

On the cover: Sarah (10) and Matt (7)Davies are eager to harvest all that life

offers in Airdrie this fall and winter.Sarah loves basketball and Matt is

excited about this year's hockey season.


AirdrieLIFE_volume2 10/23/05 5:27 PM


8 Planning aheadCity Planner Pat McMahon gives us the goods

10 Meet Airdrie’s “First Lady”

13 Airdrie Youth are serious about having fun

14 Letters from the UKmeet a future Airdrie family

18 Who are the people in your neighbourhood? explore Airdrie’s communities and meet some of the families who call Airdrie home

26 City Mapan easy guide to the City at your finger tips

30 Support Services make the difference learn how they can help you

31 Who’s got the winning edge?

32 Condo livinga pictorial preview of Airdrie’s finest

33 Historical notesthe Old Hotel has a fascinating past

35 Working for the publica look inside Airdrie’s Public Works Department

39 A new chapter the Airdrie Library prepares for a new home

40 Going placesAirdrie Transit is your ticket to ride

42 Lighting up the nightthe Festival of Lights needs you!

45 Calendar of events

46 Open for businessa profile of Airdrie’s economic base

48 Community contactsjoin a club, take up a new sport

49 Take the plungefall pool schedule

50 AirdrieLIFE is minewhat foreign visitors teach you about your city

Table ofContents

cityLIVING

life letter:I just wanted to tell you how wonderful my wife and I havefound your magazine to be. As part of the Imperial Oil moveto Calgary, we elected to build a new home in Airdrie (wehad lived north of Toronto in the town of Newmarket, andwe felt that Airdrie was very similar - although much smaller, which we felt was an added bonus)!

I moved to Calgary in mid-July, and my wife Lorie and ourtwo young girls (Evan - 2 1/2, Avery - 6 months) will becoming out when our house is finished closer to the end ofSeptember. It has definitely been an emotional time for Lorieand I, since we made the decision to leave family and friendsin Ontario, in exchange for an exciting new adventure outwest!

Your magazine has definitely assisted in getting us acclimat-ed to the town and what is has to offer. We are excited to readabout all of the activities that are available for pre-schoolersand for adults as well. In addition, we have learned aboutsome of the differences between the two communities, thingssuch as garbage and recycling standards (in Ontario, we havecurbside pickup for recycling), transit options, etc., have alsohelped prepare us for the move. I am sure that without themagazine, we would have eventually learned about many ofthese things in due time, but the information within yourmagazine has definitely made the transition much easier.

I just wanted to write, and let you know what a positiveimpact the magazine has had on one family’s move to yourcity! We are definitely excited about becoming active membersof the community!

Thanks so much! Shane Edwards



AS FALL BEGINS there are signs everywhere of thechanges we have been talking about for the past year. Bothhighway interchanges are nearing completion, as well as

major road improvements all over town. These projects are expect-ed to greatly improve traffic in the City.

And we’re going to need them!

Major developments in the commercial sector are also under construction, and these will have dramatic and far-reaching effectson our little city. They will provide jobs, tax assessment and willreduce our residents’ tendency to drive to Calgary for shopping,which is supposed to increase shopping activity in Airdrie generally.

But such large retail operations will change the pool of shopperswho visit these stores - people will come from many miles away tovisit a major grocery retailer or a Wal-Mart, so there will be manymore shoppers in town than just those of us who live here. Airdriewill become a retailing centre for the outlying region, and estimatesof the population of that region range up to 75,000. This is one ofthe principal reasons why these large retailers wanted to be near thehighway, and one of the reasons the City wanted them to be there.

So our new roadways will be better, but they will be busy. And theeffect of the shopping habits of our retail market can be predicted tohave impacts on existing Airdrie businesses, as we have discussedbefore. The exact nature of that impact cannot be known until wesee it, but it can be suggested that all retailers will have to out-compete the “big guys” with specialty markets, superior customerservice, and other responses which are within their control.

Meanwhile, the Airdrie market place is growing all by itself. Newresidential development is proceeding faster than ever, with 772new homes having been applied for by mid-July. This continues thecycle of more traffic, longer line-ups and more development ofinfrastructure to keep up with it, as well as more retailers and services to cater to that growing population.

Such are the mixed blessings of growth - it cannot be denied that thesmall town that we have been has changed dramatically. But thereare larger places which have grown without losing the basic benefitsof the small town - friendly people who care about their communi-ty and about each other, who stay involved in the life of our city andwho model our small-town values. We can still have great parks inwell-designed neighbourhoods, good schools, safe streets and cleanair and still enjoy Airdrie as a great place to live. Most of us camehere for those reasons and we need not allow growth to take themaway.

cityLIVING

AirdrieLIFE is... planning ahead

City Planner Pat McMahon shares his views…



cityLIVING

AirdrieLIFE is... Heloise Lorimer

Airdrie’s First Lady

Can you remember Airdrie before there were trafficlights on Main Street? Plenty of you can.

Can you remember when Airdrie only existed on one side of the QE 2? (Highway 2)

How about when the streets were dirt,there were only 37 houses and 99 residents?

Can we go back further?

Can you recall playing hockey on a pond in your brother’s skates?

ONLY ONE WOMAN IN AIRDRIE can talk about all of these events with a clarity that astonishes visitors.At 93, Heloise Lorimer is Airdrie’s oldest resident who was actually born in the community. The town’s firstphysician, the now legendary Dr. Edwards, delivered Heloise.

Back when the government was encouraging the population to come west, land was $5 an acre. Edna and Lafayette VanSickle homesteaded near Airdrie in 1906 and later moved to town to open a general store where the Royal Bank nowstands, that sold “grocery, dry goods, boots, shoes, flour and seed” as the sign boasted. In 1912, Heloise made her grandentrance and Airdrie has never been the same since.

Playing leapfrog over tombstones and climbing on the roof of her dad’s store to dump snow on passers by, Heloise was fullof energy. During the interview with AirdrieLIFE there was a definite hint of that spitfire in the eyes of the now spry greatgrandmother. Heloise regaled us with tales of “making our own fun – you know, we didn’t have television back then.”

She was an avid hockey and baseball player. In fact as a young girl she played on the local boys hockey team simply because“there just weren’t enough boys to make a team.” Heloise only hung up her skates a few years ago with much reluctance(and her son’s insistence!).

The red hair tops a mind with more memories than the Nose Creek Valley Museum. In fact Heloise used to lecture aboutthe history of Airdrie for 42 years, visiting the schools. We bet there is more than one person reading this who can recalla visit from Heloise!

During her childhood the flu epidemic hit the small town of Airdrie hard. The Old Hotel became a hospital and every-one was quarantined. Heloise still remembers her mother not letting her out of the yard for almost a year for fear of hergetting ill.

Heloise Lorimer - the first lady of Airdrie at 93. .


She often joked in later years that she got married just so she could leavethat yard (not because of the flu fears, but because mischievous Heloisewas always grounded).

During the 1930s Heloise was a busy wife and mother. She marriedJames Lorimer in 1931. Jim owned the local garage and since there wasnot much in the way of restaurants, hungry customers waiting for anengine repair would find themselves in Heloise’s kitchen. TodayHeloise’s kitchen is still a busy stop over on Sundays after church asfriends pop in to chat. Her three sons Gary, Buzz and Rick have givenHeloise eight grandchildren and eight great grandchildren who keep inregular contact.“I’ve always had my family close and I love having themhere,” she smiles.

Heloise kept her hockey and baseball skills on par with the best, play-ing in a competitive league against teams from Didsbury, Olds,Carstairs and Crossfield. Of course she didn’t always agree with theumpires. In one particular game Heloise recalls sliding into home plateto hear the ump call,“Out!” She was so mad she kicked the ump in theshin. He threw her out of the game so she went back for one more kick.It was a frosty night in the Lorimer home that night… Jim was theumpire!

At one point Jim and Heloise drove the town’s first school bus. Heloisedrove in the afternoons. But there were mysterious reports of damagedfences and missing dogs so Heloise’s driving career was quickly ended.Then she discovered motorbikes.

Heloise’s mischievous ways never slowed down. In her early marriedyears Heloise would hang up her laundry only after the neighbour’slights were out. In the morning it would look like Heloise had been upearlier than her neighbour on wash day.

Heloise’s spunk has never let up. She jokes about being too old to playhockey but still has strong opinions about the game and boy is she gladthe strike is over!

Airdrie has grown a lot from 99 residents to almost 27,000 and that’sfine by Heloise,“I like people,” she says wistfully. Her home is still theone Jim and she bought in the early 30s. Of course, back then, a housecould be built in a day.“We had a crew of horses to dig out the basementand then twenty men showed up to build the house and shingled it allin a day,” Heloise explains. Over the years rooms were added and bed-rooms became bathrooms when running water became available in the50s. The close proximity of the United Church meant Heloise was anactive member of the congregation, on various committees, teachingSunday school and a member of the UCW.

Her home is full of memories, many specially prepared to honour her80th and then 90th birthdays. Framed momentos show old photo-graphs, newspaper clippings, old ticket stubs, and the business licenseand stamp for Jim’s business. There are images of Heloise in 1938 as amember of the Airdrie Nine women’s baseball team. Pictures fromhockey show a spunky young woman forced by her mom to wear adress for the team photo.“My mother refused to let me wear my hock-ey pants!” Heloise recalls vividly.

Jim passed away over thirty years ago and Heloise kept herself active inthe community, taking in boarders and working at the Balzac GasPlant. Over the years Heloise has been a valued resident of the com-munity. When Airdrie became the 14th city of the province, theTransportation Minister took her as his invited guest to a special ban-quet in Edmonton. Her clout with local officials never waned either.

If you can recall a time when the Canada Day parade route changedand then moved back to its original trail, Heloise takes all the credit.“Icalled Dan Oneil (Airdrie’s mayor from 1992 to 2004) and told him Iwas too old to walk over to another route. I used to babysit the fellow,so he listened to me.” And sure enough the parade route winds down1st Avenue right past Heloise to this very day.

Heloise was called “The first lady of Airdrie” by the Echo back on theoccasion of her 80th birthday, and today Heloise is just as revered andloved, a living Airdrie legend.

volume 2 • fall/winter 2005 • AirdrieLIFE 11

Heloise Lorimer was the apple of her father's eyes.

Heloise's parents owned the Airdrie Supply Store; that's her father at the counter.



cityLIVINGAirdrieLIFE is... youthful!

The Hyjinx Challenge WHAT’S YOUR FIRST ASSUMPTION when you see a group of youth

hanging out on the streets of Airdrie on a Friday night? If the phrase “up to nogood” rings a bell, then you share the same sentiment as many Airdrie citizens.

While occasionally this may be the case, more often it is a group of kids minding their ownbusiness with no where else to hang out.

There is a group of youth in Airdrie who are trying to proactively change Airdrie citizens’views towards them. They know they have a daunting task before them, but they are enthu-siastic and determined to make some changes in Airdrie. This group, called Hyjinx, is madeup of 25 youth members who meet on Monday afternoons at the East Lake Recreation andWellness Centre. The purpose of this youth-driven group is to empower youth in Airdrie; toencourage Airdrie to become a more youth-friendly community; and to provide positive, funthings for youth to do locally. To achieve this goal Hyjinx plans and runs youth-oriented activ-ities, and is involved in the community through participation in community events, volunteer-ing in the community, and improving the communication between youth and the citizens ofAirdrie.

Last spring Hyjinx achieved their first goal by planning and running Airdrie’s first YouthWeek, May 1st to May 8th, 2005. Youth Week was a great success with a total of just under1,000 youth attending the seven events. Youth Week will be an annual event, with the purposeof celebrating our youth and reminding adults and youth alike of their importance in our com-munity.

For this coming year Hyjinx is hoping to plan an all day “Youth Fall Concert in the Park” withlocal bands. Hyjinx is also looking into hosting a youth led training conference on PeacefulConflict Resolution for Airdrie youth. The group will be working on a communication sur-vey for local businesses and youth as well.

Hyjinx’s ultimate challenge to the citizens of Airdrie is to try to be less distracted by theclothes and hair of youth, and instead focus on youths’ talents and amazing potential.

If you are between grades 7 and 12, and you are interested in checking out Hyjinx, visitwww.hyjinx.ca and come join us on Mondays at 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm in the Rotary Room atthe East Lake Recreation and Wellness Centre. If you have any questions, please contactHyjinx facilitator Shauna Cowan (City of Airdrie) at 948-8800 ext. 743 [email protected].



cityLIVING

AirdrieLIFE is... for newcomers!

AirdrieLIFE has been corresponding with a family in Britain for the past few months.

We struck up a conversation when GiovanniMacagnino requested copies of AirdrieLIFE to

help with the decision to relocate to Canada.

We’d like to introduce Giovanni, Karen and Amity Macagnino -

future Airdronians!

AirdrieLIFE: So Giovanni – let’s start with “why Canada?”

Giovanni: When we started thinking about leaving the UK (2 years ago) we considered the main destinations forBritish ex-pats; US, Australia, Canada, South Africa, New Zealand and Europe. During research on the web it quicklybecame apparent that Canada offered what we required.

AL: And what was that?

GM: Healthcare, schooling, social safety, the list is long. But the MOST important thing is social fabric. Unfortunatelyhere in the UK the social fabric has fallen apart during my generation, I’m 37. I had been to Canada a couple of times inthe 80s so my wife Karen said we should go for it. We finally visited Alberta last October.

AL: And did you like what you saw?

GM: We chose Alberta due to its low rain fall, high sun hours, proximity to the Rockies but it doesn’t get too hot, like theOkanagan Valley; or too cold like Saskatchewan.

AL: Well actually Giovanni – we get all those extremes just in a very unpredictable manner! (20ºC in January? Sure!)What did you think of Airdrie?

GM: The funny thing is that we never visited Airdrie. We just didn’t know of it. We looked at all the small towns aroundsouthern Calgary and were pretty sure we would like to move to Okotoks. On arriving back in the UK I kept research-ing and found this little place called Airdrie: close to the city, small town feel, what appears to be an excellent communityspirit, affordable housing and great business opportunity due to its projected expansion.

AL: Cool – so Airdrie it is – now what are you hoping to find home wise?

GM: Our home here in the UK is what Canadian’s would call a town house. It’s three bedrooms with only a small backyard. For the same price in Airdrie we could buy a four-bedroom executive detached home. The comparison is amazing.

AL: I’ll say, who knew our housing prices are that appealing outside of the country! Now tell me more about your ‘dreamhome’ in Airdrie.

Amity and Giovanni wave to their future friends and neighbours in Airdrie while on the beach in their hometown of

Scarborough, North Yorkshire on the east coast of England.



GM:The most important thing the new home in Airdrie MUST haveis a walk-in wardrobe. As far as Karen is concerned ‘if it ain’t got one weain’t buying it!!!!!!!!’ I am more pragmatic. WE would like a detachedhome with three to four bedrooms, ensuite and a good garden. We’dlike a good community-oriented neighbourhood where our daughter,and future Canadian progeny, can play in the street.

AL: Well we’ve got lots of great neighbourhoods (see page 18). I’m sure we can help you find that home. Now what about lifestyle andactivities – do you have some interests that Airdrie will be able toaccommodate?

GM: I want to get to learn the rules of baseball. I would also like to play football (CFL type). Last October I managed to get to a Stampeder’sgame and loved every minute. If I can find a few local Stamps support-ers I would love to go regularly. As a family we are looking forward toall manner of winter sports, and all the great volunteer based socialevents like the Festival of Lights. We have lots of other interests includ-ing Stephen King, chess, guitar, cinema, autograph collecting, moviememorabilia, and we want to get a dog as well. Karen also likes reading,crosswords, word puzzles, knitting and cooking. Amity likes bugs, ani-mals, dinosaurs, playgrounds, pillow fights and “Bear in the Big BlueHouse”.

AL: Do you have any concerns about such a big move?

GM: Our biggest concerns are firstly missing family and friends andsecondly having to become accustomed to a new style of life and infra-structure...but that’s why we are leaving the UK in the first place. Notknowing anybody in Airdrie is also a worry, but through yourselves, weknow that, being gregarious people ourselves, we should have no prob-lem making new friends quickly.

AL: What are you planning to do career wise once you arrive?

GM: We are initially considering starting or buying our own smallbusiness. That is really as far as we have gotten as there are so manythings we are considering, it is hard to be definite on any particular busi-ness idea. What does spring to mind though is that Airdrie is, and willbecome, a very vibrant town allowing a huge scope for new and inno-vative business.

AL: What are your backgrounds?

GM: Karen is a dance teacher, and I am a comedy performer. We bothhave Bachelor of Arts degrees in Drama and Theatre Studies, while Ialso have a Bachelor of Sciences degree in Marine Biology. Karen hasalways been a dancer whereas I have been a professional comedy per-former for over 11 years. I have worked with wildlife as well, and alsospent time in the British army; interestingly spending six weeks work-ing at the British Army Training Unit Suffield in Medicine Hat. Thatwas in the 80s though.

AL: Was AirdrieLIFE helpful in making your plans to move here?

GM: AirdrieLIFE and its business companion publication(AirdrieWORKS) have and are still helping. The publications gave usa sense of the community spirit we can expect on arrival; civic pride alsoshines through. On choosing Airdrie the most important factor is thecohesion of the society and mutual respect of its inhabitants. I’d also liketo thank moderators and users of www.britishexpat.com, our reloca-tors Ian and Jayne Wisdom at www.canilink.com, Airdrie Echo andAirdrie City View for sending free newspapers, Here’s the Scoop andall the moderators and users at AirdrieOnLine

AL: If you could turn the tables and start asking Airdrie residents some questions - what would you like to know?

GM: We would be interested in meeting any Italian or British locals,but our main desire is to integrate with Canadian society as a whole.Where are the best places for a young family to meet new friends?Where can I get a good beer with good conversation on a Friday night?Which is the best bank in Airdrie both for personal and business use?Is it easy to find a family doctor in Airdrie?

Well Airdrie – have you got some good ideas for the Macagnino family? Good words of advice on everything from schooling to shopping? Send your thoughts and comments to us [email protected] and we will forward them to Giovanni and Karen.The best advice will win dinner for two at Bella Italia Restaurant. Buthurry – send your emails no later than November 30th.

cityLIVING

Amity and Karen prepare to board a flight for another adventure.



Airdrie MeadowsNumber of homes 516Number of residents 1447Average condo price $118,900Average house price $174,119

The pitch: Airdrie Meadows is a walker’s haven. Centrallylocated on Airdrie’s west side it’s a short walk to downtown, themalls, schools, Kinsmen Splash Park, Plainsman Arena, theLibrary and more!

________________________________________

BaysideNumber of homes 163Number of residents 333Average condo price $172,000Average house price $203,093

The pitch: Bayside is one of Airdrie’s most innovative newareas, thanks to an exciting blend of upscale single familyhomes and condos and future commercial development. Plusit’s close to the new Rocky View School Division offices. TheBayside Estates side is hugely popular with buyers and therecent addition of a permanent outdoor hockey rink/basket-ball court is turning a few heads.

________________________________________

Big SpringsNumber of homes 1206Number of residents 3231Average condo price $85,000Average house price $156,516

The pitch: Big Springs is Airdrie’s most affordable neighbour-hood, with a combination of starter homes in your choice ofcondo or townhouse style condos, single and double widemanufactured homes and single family homes.

communityPROFILES

EVERY COMMUNITY WITHIN AIRDRIE has its own identity, some residents have chosen their home based on the types ofdwellings offered, the proximity to shopping or the access to the extensive pathways. Whatever your dream home wish, Airdrie can accommodate it. Dwelling and population figures are taken from the 2005 census conducted this past May. Number of homes refers to

dwellings, but no differentiation is made between single detached and other. Average condo and house prices are based on average MLS® sale pricesbetween January 1, 2005 and July 31, 2005 and were provided by Alan Tennant of RE/MAX Rocky View www.provenprofessionals.ca.

Happy home hunting!

Syd and Mary and their two boys, Cameron

and Riley (Riley’s the camera shy one) love

their life in Airdrie. They moved into their

brand new home in Luxstone in June. Syd, a

carpenter, framed it. Syd works for Vesta and

is quite proud to point out the homes on his

own street that he framed. Mary is the toy

librarian for Airdrie Family Services – a job she

loves. The boys are busy with hockey, swim-

ming and meeting new kids on the block.

Mary appreciates how pet friendly Airdrie is as

well, “We rented for two years and were very

lucky to find a home that would allow our dog

JJ.” JJ a border collie lab mentioned he is

thrilled with his new home as well.

Luxstone Family Album

The Wests


Dave and Nicole Glen enjoy riding the bike paths with their

two daughters, Josee and Renee. They love that the drive

into the subdivision currently includes a farmer’s field “we

can hear the frogs and coyotes!” The Glens enjoy all of

Airdrie’s recreation choices from skating to swimming.

They say Silver Creek is a great family neighbourhood.

SilverCreek Family Album

The Glens


communityPROFILES

The CanalsNumber of homes 448Number of residents 1312Average condo price $156,340Average house price $236,751

The pitch: The Canals is a water lover’s dream! Peaceful bluecanals wind their way six kilometers and flow into a five-acrelake. From starter homes and condos to some of Airdrie’s mostspectacular executive homes, this is an area with lots to offer.

Canals North is the fifth phase of the Canals - a new 156 lotdevelopment that will include three types of homes: StudioSuite properties that include a detached three car garage with aself enclosed living space above the garage, Move Up propertieswith attached garages and Waterside Estate lots backing ontothe canal. The whole area has a Country Cottage Living archi-tectural theme and each home will include a porch or verandah.



communityPROFILES

Cooper’s CrossingNumber of homes 253Number of residents 793Average condo price $222,306Average house price $284,410

The pitch: Take a walk through Cooper’s Crossing and you’llquickly realize why this is one of Airdrie’s most desired neighbourhoods. A well-designed and beautifully landscapedsix-kilometer pathway system connects every corner of thishillside development. Watch for a new show home parade near2006.

________________________________________

DowntownNumber of homes 279Number of residents 454

While downtown has been primarily commercial there areseveral existing apartment complexes and as part of the down-town revitalization plans, new exciting areas are in the worksincluding Ironwood Station, which is just east of Main Streetand south of 1st Avenue. One of the projects underway with-in Iron Station is Railtown, planned to be a living, working andshopping destination. The two residences will house forty pre-mium condominiums each, while the street frontage featuressix retail bays and eight second floor offices. Future Roadwayaccess will provide residents with a one block walk to existingdowntown shopping and services.

________________________________________

EdgewaterNumber of homes 576Number of residents 1850Average house price $182,428

The pitch: Living in Edgewater combines the advantages ofbeing within walking distance to schools and shopping andbeing wrapped around some of Airdrie’s best greenspace.Many homes are situated overlooking Nose Creek Park, a yearround gem, but especially beautiful in December during theAirdrie Festival of Lights.

Calleen and John are anxiously awaiting their

move into their new home in Sagewood.

Calleen, a busy stay at home mom with

Lincoln and Sydney admits to being a fanatic

for details which means she researched every

area and every show home in Airdrie before

settling on a Reidbuilt home in Sagewood.

Jason will be busy prepping the new

Superstore in Airdrie right after they move in.

They chose their lot because it backed on to

the soccer fields and the kids will be able to

cross the fields to the Catholic school when

they are older.

Sagewood Family Album

The Dejarlais


5

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LOCATED IN YOUNG VIBRANT AIRDRIE – ONLY 10 MINUTES NORTH OF CALGARY

I N N O V A T I V E A R C H I T E C T U R E

A U N I Q U E O P E N S P A C E C O M M U N I T Y

C A R E F U L N E I G H B O U R H O O D P L A N N I N G

F I V E E X C E P T I O N A L B U I L D E R S

9 5 S I N G L E F A M I L Y H O M E L O T S

2100 Luxstone Blvd., Airdrie

Open Monday to Thursday 2:00 – 7:00 pm

Saturday & Sunday 12 noon – 5:00 pm

Prices starting from $180,000

Douglas Homes: (403) 272-0941

Homestead Homes: (403) 945-1396

McKee Homes: (403) 948-6595

Talisman Homes: (403) 932-1001

Vesta Properties: (403) 863-0499

www.luxstonepark.com


Larry and Teresa Yurkowski moved to Airdrie

with their three kids in 1999. They chose

Sunridge because at that point they had a

child in each level of the tri-schools and it was

nearby. Today the two older ones are in uni-

versity and daughter Elise is entering grade

nine at George MacDougall. The Yurkowskis

love all the activities and recreation facilities

Airdrie offers. And your kids might recognize

Teresa –she drives the “happiest school bus in

town!”

Sunridge Family Album

The Yurkowskis


communityPROFILES

FairwaysNumber of homes 322Number of residents 933Average house price $250,874

The pitch: Fairways, on the golf course – of course! Quiet, lowtraffic streets meander around the west end of Woodside Golfcourse and create easy access to a wide range of homes fromaffordable condos right up to some very exclusive homes onthe golf course.

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JensenNumber of homes 397Number of residents 1077Average condo price $136,206Average house price $213,529

The pitch: The Jensen family lent their name to one ofAirdrie’s first sub-divisions and it still maintains a strong family feel. Thanks to being next door to the tri-schools (allthree levels of public schools) this has long been a sought afterarea in which to live. Homes range from rental apartments toexecutive homes in Jensen Heights – there’s something foreveryone!

_______________________________________

King’s Heights There’s something for every buyer in Airdrie’s newest residen-tial development, King’s Heights. King’s Heights is the latestresidential project by Melcor Developments and is currentlyunder construction. This new community on the City’s popular east side will feature a wide range of housing options.Buyers will find an extensive selection of homes from mainte-nance-free condos to single family and estate homes.

King’s Heights has been conceived with recreational enthusi-asts in mind. A network of paved walkways covering morethan six kilometres will offer pedestrians and cyclists anopportunity to leisurely explore the community. Families willappreciate the community's proximity to numerous localschools and the East Lake Recreation and Wellness Centre. Acommercial and retail centre is also planned making King’sHeights an ideal community in which to live and work.



communityPROFILES

LuxstoneNumber of homes 172Number of residents 438Average condo price $124,847Average house price $207,950

The pitch: Luxstone is emerging as another area in Airdrie that offerssomething for every budget; starting with affordable condo living andstarter homes right through to trade-up homes along the Canal. Plansfor this area include a pond, walking trails, and a nature park and soc-cer field – now that’s family friendly!

Luxstone Landing, is part of the larger community of Luxstone.Almost a little enclave all to itself, being encircled by green space onthree sides, many of the homes back onto the picturesque canalembankment. Luxstone Landing has only 84 lots, with most of thehomes boasting walk-outs or larger, deeper lower-floor windows called“sunshine basements”.

Mackenzie PointeNumber of homes 521Number of residents 726Average house price $107,900

The pitch: Mackenzie Pointe is primarily home to a popular condodevelopment in an ideal central location. Next door is Iron Horse Parka wonderful miniature train and it’s a short walk to downtown. Thedevelopment has grown to include five complexes.

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MeadowbrookNumber of homes 773Number of residents 2488Average house price $208,750

The pitch: Meadowbrook residents enjoy a quiet setting in the south-east corner of Airdrie. The pathways lead to a large central park with aplay structure and connect to Meadowbrook Middle School. It’s allsingle family homes and they range from 1980’s construction to a fewyears old. Many families have started in the original Meadowbrookand moved up to the newer area – they must feel at home!


Summerhill Family Album

The Mullis/Fox Family


communityPROFILES

RidgegateNumber of homes 112Number of residents 353Average house price $187,950

The pitch: Many people have moved into Ridgegate and set-tled in. It’s a compact area with low traffic streets windingaround the north end of Nose Creek Park. It’s an easy walk toschools, the library and shopping – who would want to leave!

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SagewoodNumber of homes 248Number of residents 523Average house price $208,895

The pitch: If you are looking for something fun and interesting,then Sagewood is for you. One of Airdrie’s most talked aboutareas and for good reason! This is a very well designed place foryoung and young at heart to call home. Sagewood also has adesignated school site for 2009.

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Silver CreekNumber of homes 389Number of residents 1124Average condo price $156,745Average house price $204,339

The pitch: There’s lots of excitement at the north end ofAirdrie. Residents of Silver Creek enjoy condo living and avariety of single family home options such as coach houses(legal suites as part of the rear garages), starter homes andupscale homes backing onto the greenspace.

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StonegateNumber of homes 497Number of residents 1443Average condo price $138,750Average house price $211,407

The pitch: Stonegate is also at the north end of Airdrie and hasbecome very popular with young families thanks to the quiet,curving streets and play structures. Plus it’s home to some con-dos and attached homes that blend in very nicely.

Brenda, Bayden, Colby, Cliff and Korbin love

the small town atmosphere that Airdrie still

has even with all the growth. Bayden’s busi-

ness, a family gravel hauling business has

seen business grow tenfold with all the new

construction.

Brenda, who operates a dayhome, remembers

when first looking for a house back in 1989,

Airdrie was appealing because of its small

town feel and easy access to Calgary. Its still

the same today, but they both agree with all

that Airdrie is gaining, trips to Calgary just

aren’t as necessary. The family will be cele-

brating the birth of their newest addition – a

future Airdronian in the spring.



communityPROFILES

SummerhillNumber of homes 542Number of residents 1568Average house price $170,679

The pitch: Overlooking the fountains in Nose Creek is some-thing the residents of Summerhill really enjoy, especially in thewinter when skating on the creek is very popular. Plus this areais home to AE Bowers Elementary School and is next door tothe Airdrie Museum.

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SunridgeNumber of homes 104Number of residents 324Average house price $ 200,250

The pitch: Sunridge is a small community just south ofHighway 567 and right off Main Street. Residents here enjoywalking access to the tri-school district and downtown. Soonthey’ll have very easy access to the new Superstore.

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The Village (Old Town)Number of homes 376 Number of residents 898Average home price $169,750

The pitch: Living in a small city like Airdrie couldn’t be moreconvenient and quiet. The Village surrounds Airdrie’s down-town and is basically the original town site. Huge lots, maturetrees and a quiet easy transition from the downtown shoppingdistrict, makes this a popular area for long time residents andnewcomers alike. A redevelopment plan for the Village is cur-rently in the process in which residents are actively involved.


ww

w.airdrie.ca

CITYOF A

IRDRIE

400 Main St. SE

Airdrie, A

lberta T4B 3C3


John and Yvonne Whitrick came to Airdrie 11

years ago (John works for TransCanada and

Yvonne started working with Palliser a few

years ago). They built their home on a quiet

cul de sac. The priority was a yard large

enough for a garden. The resulting gardens

have garnered awards from the Airdrie

Horticultural Society. They loved their new

neighbours when they moved in (and still do!)

and appreciate how clean and friendly

Waterstone is.

Waterstone Family Album

The Whitricks


communityPROFILES

ThorburnNumber of homes 625Number of residents 2066Average home price $238,302

The pitch: Thorburn is another area of Airdrie that is 100%single family homes. Like many other parts of Airdrie, thepathway network plays an important role especially since itquickly leads to East Lake, the soccer fields and East LakeRecreation and Wellness Centre and the twin arenas.

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WaterstoneNumber of homes 139Number of residents 481Average house price $259,500

The pitch: One of Airdrie’s not so well kept secrets isWaterstone. Tucked away just south of Summerhill this verypopular neighbourhood is home to some of Airdrie’s finesthomes backing onto Nose Creek. It’s very well designed andfeatures lots of green space throughout. Drive through andwatch for kids playing!

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WillowbrookNumber of homes 296Number of residents 835Average condo price $156,014Average house price $209,062

The pitch: Willowbrook as its name indicates enjoys beingnext to Nose Creek. From higher end homes backing onto thegreenspace to condos and attached homes, Willowbrook is agreat place to call home.



communityPROFILES

WoodsideNumber of homes 818Number of residents 2200Average condo price $136,571Average house price $230,727

The pitch: Golf course living in Woodside is something specialand it’s just as special for those residents of Woodside whodon’t back onto the golf course! With many parks and easywinding streets it’s easy to see the attraction. Woodside is alsohome to many great options in senior and adult housing.

Geoff, Tina, Chloe and Max are bonafide Airdronians,

immersed in community activities such as hockey and

basketball, since moving here in 1998. Their Woodside

home meets all their wishes – an established neighbour-

hood, the chance to build, and backing onto a park.

“You can really get to know your neighbours in this

environment,” Tina, a certified Pilates Instructor says, “and

it’s a short commute for Geoff (who works for Trans

Canada in Calgary)”.

Woodside Family Album

The Wards



cityLIVING

• Airdrie Food Bank provides short-termfood assistance to residents of Airdrie and out-lying communities. www.airdriefoodbank.comor 912-8500

• Airdrie Meals on Wheels provides regu-lar nourishing meals to help people to remainhealthy and independent in the comfort oftheir own homes 815-1400

• Society for Affordable and SustainableHousing in Airdrie (SASHA) workstoward safe, decent and affordable housing forevery resident of Airdrie. 948-8800 ext. 701

• Airdrie & District Victim Assistanceprovides support and information for victimsof crime and tragedy. www.airdrievictimassis-tance.com or 948-3468

• Airdrie Family Services CounselingProgram prevents personal and family break-down, enhances the abilities of individuals andfamilies to constructively manage their livesand enriches the quality of family life.www.airdriefamilyservices.ca or 912-8451

• Rocky View School Division FamilySchool Liaison Program provides socialsupport services to children and families inAirdrie by working with school staff and com-munity agencies. www.rockyview.ab.ca or219-6257

• Airdrie Family Services FamilyResource Program supports familiestowards the goal of optimum family function-ing www.airdriefamilyservices.ca or 912-8451

• Airdrie Boys & Girls Club offers safe andaccessible social, educational and recreationalprograms for youth. www.abgc.8m.com or948-3331

• R. J. Hawkey Breakfast Program caresfor students who have needs for personal,social and/or nutritional support outside theirhomes on school day mornings. 948-3939

• Airdrie Family Services Out of School

Care Program decreases the number ofAirdrie children left unsupervised by helpingfamilies in financial need who are working,attending educational institutions, or who havespecial needs. www.airdriefamilyservices.ca or912-8451

• Alberta Mentor Foundation for Youth(AMFY) helps junior and senior high schoolstudents achieve their full potential throughsupportive in-school mentoring relations.www.amfy.org or 945-2535

Seniors • Airdrie Seniors Outreach Programenables seniors to remain healthy and engagedin the community by linking seniors, informa-tion and resources. www.airdrieseniors.com or316-9955

• FREE Coffee socials for families raising children with disabilities:Includes childcare, music therapy and informa-tion sessions. Fourth Thursday of eachmonth, 6:00 – 8:00 pm. To register: 948-0263

• Parent Mediation & Family Supportfor families raising children with disabilities:Helps parents by listening to needs, providinginformation and helping parents navigate thesystems. 921-6954

• Family Support for Children withDisabilities Aide Support Program:Provides services to families in the Calgary andNorth Rocky View (Airdrie and Cochrane)region, who have been approved by FSCD forFamily Support and/or Child FocusedServices. 921-6954

• Parent Link Centre: Airdrie FamilyServices and the North Rocky ViewCommunity Resource Centre have collaborat-ed in the opening of a new Airdrie & AreaParent Link Centre. The services and programs are intended to promote family wellness and provide support for families ofyoung children, helping them to connect withthe appropriate resources to meet their needs.948-0263 or 912-8451.

• A-CHAMP Program: TheCardiovascular Health Awareness andManagement Program (A-CHAMP) is a freecommunity-based program made available toall senior community residents over the age of65 and offers opportunities for enhanced mul-tiple blood pressure monitoring and healthpromotion activities around cardiovasculardisease and stroke. Sessions are run in localpharmacies. For information contact Jenniferat 948-6463.

City of Airdrie Volunteer of the YearAwardEvery day someone in Airdrie is volunteeringto make a difference. They shovel your snow,they take you to church, they collect money forpeople who are less fortunate, they coach yourchild, they organize plan and work hard butnever expect anything in return. Sound famil-iar?

The City of Airdrie is looking for people whoare making a difference in someone’s life or inthe community. Do you have a friend, neigh-bor or relative volunteering in some way toimprove the life of another person or the com-munity? Are you impressed with someone’sselfless actions? Help us to pay tribute to thisspecial person by nominating them for the“Volunteer of the Year Award”.

Nomination deadline:April 7, 2006 Call: 948-8800, ext. 776.

The Social CircleDistress Centre 24-HR CRISIS LINE: 266-1605AADAC – Alberta Alcohol and Drug AbuseCommission: 912-3306Airdrie Mental Health: 948-3878Bethany Care Centre Airdrie: 948-6022Calgary Rocky View Child & Family Service:912-4758Closer to Home: 948-9776 Credit Counselling Services of Alberta: 265-2201 North Rocky View Community ResourceCentre: 948-0263 Rocky View Adult Literacy Program: 948-6556

AirdrieLIFE is... enhanced with support


cityLIVING

AirdrieLIFE is... small business


EVERY YEAR the Airdrie Business Resource Centre commit-tee organizes a special award ceremony dedicated to recognizingthe contribution of small business to the City of Airdrie, as part

of National Small Business Week.

Citizens of Airdrie nominate businesses of 50 employees or less fortheir demonstrated superior customer service and active communityparticipation.

On Thursday, October 20, 2005, the Winning Edge Award, recogniz-ing Small Business will be presented at the Winning Edge AwardsBanquet at Woodside Golf Course. In addition, the Eco Award will bepresented recognizing a business demonstrating environmental stew-ardship.

Former winners of the Winning Edge Award:1998 - M & M Meat Shops 1999 - Smart Automotive

2000 - Zytech Building Systems Inc 2001 - Five Star Communications

2002 - Airdrie Windshield and Glass 2003 - Advanced Distribution / Here's the Scoop

2004 - Rainbow Salvage & Demolition Ltd.

Nomination forms have been distributed through the City of Airdrieutility bills ( July 30 and August 30) and are also available from CityHall. Nominations are due September 23, 2005.

The Airdrie Business Resource Centre is a one-stop service centre pro-viding business advisory services, short-term lending library, businessstart-up information and on-line access to business related Internetsites. Located in the Airdrie Public Library, the ABRC services Airdrieand its surrounding rural communities. For more information contactKaren Heisler at (403) 948-8800 ext. 769.

Airdrie’sWinning Edge



In this issue of AirdrieLIFEwe decided to focus on thegreat variety of multifamilyliving choices. From apart-ment style condos to exec-utive townhomes, we havesome excellent showhomes to visit too. Here isa sneak peak at Pointe OfView Condos (1), Cooper’sGarden in Cooper’sCrossing (2 & 5), andValley Park (3 &4). Watchour spring issue for theexciting new single-familyshow homes in Cooper’sCrossing, The Canals Northand more.

1

2

3

4

5



THE OLD HOTEL, formerly the Airdrie Hotel, began in 1904on what was then the edge of the village. Mr. Dan McDonald isbelieved to be the one who moved the original Hotel building to

the site where it sits today, a part of Airdrie’s picturesque downtown area.

In the beginning, it was mainly travellers on the Calgary-Edmonton Trailwho frequented the Hotel. Airdrie was classified by the NorthwestMounted Police as ‘a day’s journey north of Calgary’ and therefore a conven-ient place to stop for the night. Soon after that, 35 construction workersoccupied the hotel during Airdrie’s first major construction enterprise.

The hotel also had a beverage room built in 1904 that attracted people fromall over the area. However, with the 1916 prohibition law, the beverage roomwas closed until 1925 when it reopened. The Hotel has been serving its cus-tomers faithfully since.

During the worldwide Spanish Influenza Epidemic in 1918-1919, theAirdrie Hotel served as a makeshift hospital for the sick. Doctor Edwardsand Nurse Kinniburgh, along with many volunteers, worked long hours inthe Hotel trying to beat the influenza.

In 1921 Olaf Kolstad purchased the Hotel and began a family legacy of 39years, making the Airdrie Hotel the longest family-owned hotel in Alberta.Since then the Hotel has changed hands many times.

The Airdrie Hotel is now called the Old Hotel, however, there is no writtensource detailing an official name change. Most people who have lived in theAirdrie area for some time opt that the change was recent, although noneknow the exact date.

Sources for this history include “One Day’s Journey” by Stephen Wilk and oneof the Hotel’s owners, Carol Grisbrook, who put together a small history of itfrom previous Hotel records.

Laurie Harvey , Curator Nose Creek Valley Museum

cityLIVING

AirdrieLIFE is... The Old Hotel


When you think of the Public Works Department of a city what do you think of? Graders, plows and sanders at four am clearing a massive snowstorm? A crew repairing a sewer line? A team of workers repairing a sidewalk? Airdrie Public Works does all this and much more.

The long list of responsibilities includes:- Water, storm and sewer line maintenance - Lift station and pump stations maintenance- Water valve maintenance- Asphalt, concrete, crack sealant repairs of all roadways, curbs and sidewalks- Line marking- Fire hydrant maintenance and painting- Snow removal- Daily water sampling to monitor chlorine levels of drinking water- All signage and traffic lights- Residential sweeping- Garbage removal, ditches and boulevards- Gravel road maintenance, 24th and 8th street including dust suppression- Back lane maintenance

Bill Radke has been an Airdrie resident for 20 years and always has taken pride in his City, buthaving just joined the Public Works Department as Team Leader this summer, he says that pridenow goes beyond what the normal citizen sees.

“I work with a great group of dedicated professional people,” he says as we drive around Airdriechecking out the recent projects the Department has been working on. Lots of sidewalk repairsand sewer line repair work this past summer – there is always as Bill refers to it, the “honey-do”list. And citizens are great at keeping the Department alert to new issues such as sudden sidewalkheaving. The City keeps a good record of the state of road repair and prioritizes the most urgentneeds and then schedules, as budgets allow, for regular maintenance projects such as road resur-facing. Roadways in residential areas generally have a life span of 20 – 25 years. Heavier trafficareas last 15 – 20 years. With ten full time and four term staff positions, Public Works is never


cityLIVING

AirdrieLIFE is... working

A peek inside

Airdrie Public Works



idle. During the flooding in June of this year, Airdrie Public Worksclocked 142 combined hours of overtime dealing directly with floodrelated concerns.

“Airdrie Public Works is responsible for water, sewer, roads, signage, traf-fic lights and sidewalks,” Bill explains. While most of us are aware of thetimes we see crews out working on the roads, we sometimes forget thereis a whole world of responsibilities underground.

With an annual budget of approximately $10 million, Public Works isalways working to keep residents and businesses on the go. With newsubdivisions coming on line, Airdrie will be installing two new sewer liftstations to accommodate demand and hiring another Facility Operatorto operate and maintain the new facilities.

Bill asks drivers to be patient when they see Airdrie City crews outworking.“Be mindful of the barricades, respect the slower speed limitsand keep your eye out for the crew – they have families hoping they gethome at the end of the day.” Safety rules apply not only to the crew doingthe job but also to the public affected by the obstructions.

To the team that keeps us flowing and driving, Airdrie residents saluteyou!

Airdrie Public Works Quick Facts:The old water tower is just an icon now; it was decommissionedback in the late 70s. It had a capacity of 181.84 cubic metres.

Airdrie’s present reservoir holds 18,000 cubic metres of water.

Airdrie has four pump stations located on Main Street at NoseCreek Park, in Willowbrook, Sunridge and on Edwards Way.Airdrie receives treated water directly from Calgary and we sendall our sewage back to Calgary to be treated.

The biggest cause of residential sewer blockage? Cooking grease.

There are 143 kilometres of water lines, 94.4 kilometres of stormlines and 115.8 kilometres of sanitary lines running underneaththe City.

Airdrie currently has 531 fire hydrants.

Airdrie residents and businesses use between 10 – 12 thousandcubic metres of water daily. During water restrictions in June waterconsumption dropped down to 7995 cubic meters. Way to goAirdrie!

The snow removal budget for 2005 is pegged at $144,321.00

Last year (2004) the City crews hauled away 1630 tonnes of snowfrom City roadways and parking lots.

Airdrie has 119.4 center line kilometres of paved roads.

The Public Works Department has a fleet of 57 vehicles rangingfrom bobcats to pick up trucks to graders. It takes three full timemechanics to keep all the vehicles road worthy.



RecyclingThe Airdrie Recycling Depot is located at 15East Lake Hill.Phone number: 948-0246Email: [email protected]

Recycle Depot fall/winter hours:October 1, 2005 – April 30, 2006Wednesday 9:00 am – 8:00 pmThursday – Sunday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Recycle Depot holiday hours:Friday November 11, 2005 CLOSEDSaturday December 24, 2005 9am to noonSunday December 25, 2005 CLOSEDSaturday December 31, 2005 9am to noonSunday January 1, 2006 CLOSED

The depot accepts the followingrecyclables:• White office paper• Mixed coloured paper & magazines• Newspaper• Coloured & clear glass• Household metal• Plastic milk jugs• Phone books• Aerosol cans• Cardboard & boxboard• Used oil filters• Cardboard milk cartons• Used oil filters• Propane tanks• Electronic waste• Used clothing• Used antifreeze/containers• Vehicle batteries and rechargeable batteries• Grass, leaves and garden waste are

accepted from May – October

Christmas Tree ChippingDecember 28 – January 22 Trees may bedropped off at the Recycle Depot. Trees are

chipped and used for landscaping in Cityparks. Ensure that trees are free of all orna-ments.

The following items are notaccepted at the Airdrie RecyclingDepot:Styrofoam, plastics (except for plastic milkjugs), waxed cardboard, tires, wood, treebranches, sod, and drywall.

Electronic WasteAs of February 2, 2005, the City of AirdrieRecycle Depot accepts residential electronicwaste. Institutional, industrial and commer-cial businesses in Airdrie can contact AlbertaRecycling Management Authority (ARMA)directly for information regarding how toprocess their electronic waste.

All items collected will be recycled and theseitems will not be reused. Acceptable electronic items include:• televisions • computer monitors • CPUs (including keyboards,cables,speakers) • laptops • notebook computers • printers/printer combinations

Cell phones, stereos, VCRs, DVD players,electronic games and fax machines are notcurrently included in the program, but maybe added at a later date. All Albertans will becharged a new user fee when purchasing elec-tronics to offset the cost of recycling thesematerials. If you have questions regarding thecollection of electronic waste items contact:ARMA: 1-888-999-8762City of Airdrie Recycle Depot:403-948-0246www.albertarecycling.com

cityLIVING

AirdrieLIFE is... happening at City HallThe City of Airdrie is committed to waste reduction and innovativewaste and recycling management. The following pages contain infor-mation on waste management and environmental services in Airdrie,including a history of user-pay, what your garbage utility subsidizes andthe many waste management programs available to the residents ofAirdrie.

Service with a smileAirdrie has a bright new City Hall that wel-comes everyone in the community. Fromgarbage tags to building permits – you can besure to be greeted by the friendly and profes-sional staff in Customer Service. City Councilmeets the first and third Monday of eachmonth and the meetings are open to the public.For more information please visit www.airdrie.ca

Customer ServiceOpen Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 5:30 pm.

Payments:• Taxes• Utilities• Ambulance• Dog Licenses• Garbage Tags

Services: • Economic Development • Planning and Development • Building Permits • Community Services

Airdrie City Hall is located at:400 Main Street SE, Airdrie, AB T4B 3C3Main switchboard: 403-948-8800Fax: 403-948-6567www.airdrie.ca


AirdrieLIFE is... wonderful in wintercityLIVING


Sidewalk snow removalAll Airdrie residents must remove snow from any sidewalk adjoiningthe property owned or occupied by them within 48 hours of the timethe snow was deposited. Should the snow not be removed, the City mayclear the sidewalk and the cost will be charged against the property.Please do not put the removed snow on public property (i.e. the road).

Pathway snow removalThe first priority for pathway snow removal is schools; followed by citypedestrian walkways/pathways; boarded and snow bank outdoor rinks;and pathways through Nose Creek and East Lake. The ParksDepartment removes snow from City facilities (the Library, RecreationCentre, RCMP station, City Hall, Fire Hall, etc.).

The City pedestrian walkways/pathways cleared first include MainStreet, East Lake Boulevard, and the pedestrian walkway overpass. Thenext pedestrian walkways/pathways to be cleared include Big Springs,Meadowbrook, Thorburn, Airdrie Meadows, Edgewater, Summerhill,Waterstone, Old Airdrie, Woodside, and the Canals. Depending on thesnow conditions and the amount of snowfall, they should all be clearedwithin 48 hours. If you notice a pedestrian walkways/pathways, whichmay have been overlooked or has drifted in after it has been cleared,please call the City Parks Department (948-8400).

Outdoor Rinks The City of Airdrie Parks Department floods outdoor rinks as soon asweather temperatures co-operate (a constant -10º C).Boarded rinks:• East Lake Park (beside the Scout Hall)• Plainsmen Arena • Big Springs Cres (in the green space)Snow bank rinks:• Fletcher Park• Plainsmen Arena• Town and Country Centre Park

The Parks Department clears skating surfaces on Nose Creek Pond,Summerhill, Waterstone and East Lake dependent on ice depth andcondition. The Parks Department maintains all the outdoor rinks on adaily basis, weather permitting. Nose Creek and East Lake are main-tained on a weekly basis.

Safe skating on outdoor surfaces All skaters do so at their own risk. The Parks Department checks the icethickness once each week at the Nose Creek Pond, Summerhill Pond,Waterstone, and East Lake. Remember to always skate with a partnerand wear appropriate warm clothing. Phone the Parks Department at948-8400 to find out the most recent thickness of a pond or the lake.



THANKS TO THE DILIGENT EFFORTS ofLibrary Director Mary

Westcott and Program CoordinatorVivyan Oneil, a dedicated LibraryBoard, and a strong fundraising arm,the Airdrie Public Library is poised tobegin a new chapter in a bigger,brighter, modern facility that will pro-vide a whole community of readerswith the best a library can possibly offer.

It wasn’t that long ago that the Airdrie Public Library was stuck in a cor-ner of the Town and Country Centre with books and reference materialsstuffed into 1800 square feet. In 1992 the library moved to Main Streetand gained another 4000 square feet of space.

But as the community has grown so have the needs and wishes of thelibrary. If the rule of thumb in the library industry is 2.5 books per capita,the Airdrie Public Library simply had to move to bigger quarters if theywanted to set a goal of amassing a collection of over 50,000 titles. So thefundraising took a more serious note and a new location was secured. Butwhat to put inside this new space?

That’s where a needs assessment was necessary, bringing in focus groupsfrom the major demographic groups including teens and seniors and ask-ing them what they want from a public library.

The answers were exactly what Mary wanted to hear and she is very

excited to say that those wishes are close to being fulfilled.“Bigger and bet-ter, that’s the bottom line.”

Features of the new library will include:• a large and spacious entry vestibule designed to minimize the effects

of inclement weather and allowing users to enter and exit the library with ease (even carrying armloads of books and pushing strollers!)

• a stroller corral and pack-up area.• a high open ceiling designed to optimize natural light sources and

create a feeling of spaciousness.• a quiet study area with connections for laptop computers.• a warm and inviting 'reading lounge' with fireplace (a wonderful focal

point when you first enter the library).• a designated teen/youth area.• a larger and more inviting children's area with storytime nook and

colorful design elements.• a bigger programming room with plenty of storage space and a sink

for clean-ups.• a streamlined circulation desk with two-tiered counters and pack-up

space.• MORE ROOM FOR MORE BOOKS!

By The BookAirdrie Public Library stats 2004:Number attending programs – 2,395Reference questions – 23, 660 Number of visitors in 2004 – 38,896Number of items borrowed – 99, 487Public Internet hours logged – 2,600

cityLIVING

The Airdrie Public Libraryprepares for their next chapter

What is a library to the Airdrie community? A place where minds can meet? A place where fact and fiction collide with wonderful results? A place that needs more books and much more space!

AirdrieLIFE is... a new chapter


AirdrieTransitRouted ServiceThe routed service will pick up at designated“routed service” bus stops only.Monday – Friday 6 am – 6 pm

Dial-a-Bus ServiceThe Dial-a-Bus system operates at a client’srequest. Bus service can be requested to pickup passengers at any designated bus stop during Dial-a-Bus service hours. To requestservice please call 948-8888. Unless there is arequest or call made for a certain bus stop, thebus may not go to your community.Hours of Operation:Monday – Friday 6 pm – 10 pmSaturdays 8:30 am – 10 pm

TransfersIf you need to use more than one bus to complete your trip, please ask the bus driver fora transfer when boarding the bus. Transfers arevalid only on the day of issue, within 30 minutes of the time indicated. Customers willbe allowed to stop over and travel in any direction during this period of time. Transfersmust be given to the operator when boarding.

FaresCash FaresAdult $2.10TRSP* $1.50Children (under 6) FREE

TicketsPunch Pass (11 for 10) $21.00Punch Pass subsidy (11 for 10) $15.00

Monthly PassesAdult $60.00Youth and senior $45.00Adult (TSRP) $45.00Youth and senior (TSRP) $33.75

Senior Yearly (65+)Regular rate $120Subsidy rate $90*Transfer Rider Support Program

SchedulesFor a complete list of schedules please visitwww.airdrie.ca/transit

Transit Rider Support ProgramTo mitigate the impact of rate increases and toensure that cost is not a barrier for use if thepublic transit system, the City of Airdrie offersa reduced rate for individuals who meet a low-income qualification. Application forms must

be accompanied by proof of coverage underone of the following government programs(GIS, AISH, SFI, Child Health Benefit).

If a person is unable to obtain proof of theabove, an income tax statement from the previous year can be used as proof of income.Applications are available online through yourbus driver or by calling the City of Airdrie at948-8800.


AirdrieLIFE is...going places

cityLIVING


ONE OF THE JEWELS of Airdrierecreation and activity is the EastLake Recreation and Wellness

Centre (ELRWC) which has been a beehiveof activity since opening in 2004. Six to eightthousand people visit the Centre each weektaking advantage of the large aquatic area,oversized gymnasium, fitness room, aerobicsroom/dance studio, daycare, child play placeand several multi-purpose rooms.

That number could double when the secondphase is completed to include two indoor field houses and an indoor running track. The fieldhouses will support a variety of recreation andbusiness activities such as soccer, lacrosse, vol-leyball, badminton, field hockey, football, pool tournaments, convention centre, concert halland much, much more. Down the road, a thirdphase will add two indoor ice surfaces.

ARRES, the "Airdrie Regional RecreationEnhancement Society," is a charitable founda-tion established in 2000 to support the contin-

ued development of ELRWC. ARRES is cur-rently gearing up for Phase II scheduled tobegin construction early in 2006.

ARRES is committed to investing in animproved foundation for health and wellness.In forging ahead, they empower the membersof our community to take control of their well-ness needs. The excellence achieved throughimproved health and wellness, is both sustain-able, and far reaching. These needs are asdiverse as the community itself and by embrac-ing them, the East Lake Recreation andWellness Centre promotes and supports part-

nerships within the community.

Phase II is a natural evolution of this processand the fund-raising campaign to support this initiative is underway. Now is the time for thecommunity and its stakeholders to step for-ward and contribute to this campaign. So joinin leading the way to a positive, vibrant, health-ier future!

For information or to make a donation contactARRES by calling 403-948-8804 ext. 518,Email: [email protected] or visit the ARRESweb site at www.arres.ca.


AirdrieLIFE is...committed to wellness!East Lake Recreation and WellnessCentre ready to grow!

cityLIVING

AirdrieLIFE is... active!The Airdrie lifestyle is active and enjoyed by everyone from all age groups and interests.

Nose Creek Park, which is a 40 acre oasis in the centre of downtown Airdrie features picnic tables and shelters, nature trails, and an amphitheatre.Nose Creek Park also has a stocked fishing pond in the summer and a skating pond in the winter.

The Woodside Golf course is a gorgeous 18-hole golf course and club house, nestled in the west end with a popular dining lounge, that is home toa very popular Sunday brunch.

The 400 seat performing arts theatre, Bert Church Theatre, invites patrons of the arts to experience everything from the Calgary Symphony tolocal theatre groups, dance and musical extravaganzas and comedy.

Other recreational facilities include the Twin Arenas, Plainsmen Arena, Airdrie Kinsmen Splash Park, Town and Country Centre [curling rinks,meeting halls], Monklands Soccer Park, Chinook Winds Ball Park, East Lake Park, Fletcher Park, Bicycle Motocross Track [BMX], Nose CreekMuseum, gym facilities, tennis courts, 36 km of paved pathways, 578 acres of parks, school grounds, 32 playgrounds, 31 soccer fields and 22 balldiamonds.



HOW DO YOU BRIGHTEN UP THE DARKEST MONTH OF THE YEAR? You visitthe Airdrie Festival of Lights, an extravaganza of holiday lights and music. The Festival of Lightsis a unique walk-through event, featuring more than a half-millions dollars worth of light displays,

miniature trains that carry both adults and children, live entertainment on the Safeway Stage, fireworks onopening night and New Years, plus much more.

In ten short years the Festival has become a major part for most Airdrie resident’s holiday traditions and thequestion “have you been to the lights yet?” is invariably answered with “Yes at least twice!” It’s that success thathas brought the Festival to new challenges.

“What we require now in order for the Festival to improve, is simply more core volunteers,” says Festival ofLights Chair, John Whitrick,“We have so many really great ideas and the workload on our core volunteerswith what we have now is tremendous. Much of what we could do and accomplish is just not possible unlesswe can increase our teams.”

John should know something about extra time and commitment. He was in on the very first meeting whenthen city alderman Stan Softley proposed the idea. “He showed up at my home with these very detaileddrawings of Nose Creek Park, photos of the light displays from a supplier in the States and I was immedi-ately impressed.”

The proposed twenty-minute chat over coffee with Stan ended at midnight and John was sold. He was one

cityLIVING

AirdrieLIFE is... lighting up the night



of the first core volunteers along with Peter Pape and Rey Rawlins whoare all still actively involved and now in his first year as chair, John pre-sides over the tenth anniversary with a sense of pride.

On the first day of set up ten years ago there were twenty odd volun-teers ready to assemble the light displays. There were thousands ofboxes to unpack, sort and assemble. It was the coldest day of the year.The snow was blowing. John recalls turning to the fellow next to himand saying “What have we got ourselves into?”

The Festival is an autonomous organization, run by the Airdrie Festivalof Lights Society. Almost all the money to operate the Festival comesfrom sponsors & visitor donations, plus revenue from Festival opera-tions (refreshments, souvenirs, and the miniature trains). “We are a100% volunteer run non-profit Society,” John explains.

With limited resources the first years, the Festival relied on word ofmouth. People talked. More people came the second year and theFestival was on its way. Soon tour bus companies were calling to makearrangements for trips to the festival.

The Festival now attracts over 55,000 visitors a year.“About two thirdsof our visitors come from the City of Calgary, about one quarter fromAirdrie, and the remainder from elsewhere, and it’s increasing everyyear” John explains.

Admission to the Festival has always been free, but the Festival encour-ages visitors to make a donation to help keep it going. For those whoprefer some guidance about donations, they suggest $5.00 per family.“We also hope they'll support the Festival by buying refreshments orsouvenirs, and by riding the miniature trains,” John adds.

Each year, hundreds of volunteers log between 4,000 and 5,000 hours,to set up and operate the Festival. That includes several local clubs thatparticipate in revenue-sharing incentives. Each group that puts in atleast 250 hours receives a pro-rated share of the profits from the con-cession.

Volunteers light up the night at the Airdrie Festival of Lights. In 2003,

the Airdrie Festival of Lights created a Volunteer Management Teamto ensure that every volunteer with the Airdrie Festival of Lights has apositive experience.

Volunteers can choose indoor or outdoor tasks, and can also help outduring spring, summer, and fall, rather than during the Festival itself(November and December). Tasks include set-up November 19th and20th and take-down January 1st and 2nd, as well as general operationsduring the Festival. To volunteer, please call 912-XMAS (912-9627)and leave a message that includes your name and phone number.

“We really need to grow our core volunteer base – it’s vital to keepingthe festival successful and allowing us to improve and grow,” John says.“We have such an amazing group of people – they simply need moresupport.” There are lots of ideas sitting on the back burner for nowwaiting for more people to get involved, everything from theme nightsto new displays and contests but manpower is the magic word.

John is also extending an invitation to local businesses or groups thatfeel they have something to compliment the festival. “If they are pre-pared to share the proceeds, we are open to their ideas.”

Festival Hours Hours of operation 6 pm to 9 pm nightlyOpening night: Friday, November 25th, Opening ceremonies followed by fireworks.New Years Eve Celebrations with fireworks at 8:00pm. (NEW TIME!)

AdmissionFree, but cash and cheque donations are welcomed, contributions of $20.00 or more will be issued a charitabledonation receipt on request (tax deductible).

For more information: www.airdriefestivaloflights.com



AirdrieLIFE is...something to sing about

cityLIVING

Theresa Wasden brings opera to Airdrie

A whole lot of culture is headed our way and Airdrie will be richer for it asTheresa Wasden brings her newest company Red Box Productions - aprofessional Opera and Theatre Company to the Bert Church Theatrethis season.“The idea for the name came from a theatre class I was teach-ing,” the dynamic singer and musical theatre instructor explained.“In theplay, the character (Miss Hannigan’s assistant), had little money to give thechildren Christmas presents. We decided that it should be a red box. Thechildren opened the box up to find nothing. Then Ayla Hennessey beganto tell them that the red box held all their dreams and wishes. It could beanything they wanted it to be. Thus the idea for Red Box Productions. Itholds all the dreams and wishes of Theresa Wasden and those she associ-ates with.”

This year Red Box has grown into a full season of shows. It begins withMozart’s comic opera spoof, The Impresario. “ October 13th and 14th. Atheatre manager is getting ready to retire when his assistant bursts onto thescene with ideas for the next season. The antics start in the lobby as theaudience fills the theatre,” Theresa says. This interactive production is azany look into the life of the Opera Impresario and the politics involved.

Red Box Productions presents “Hansel And Gretel”, November 4th and5th, the opera for all ages. The cast includes professional artists, under-studies, as well as students of opera. The sets and costumes are in theauthentic and traditional styles. The music score is original. This experi-ence has become inspirational as well as culturally motivating.

Coming in 2006 - “Into The Woods” is Steven Sondheim’s musical withmore stories from the Brothers Grimm. The Baker and his wife are want-ing a child. Red Riding Hood needs to get to Granny’s. Rapunzel hasbeen locked up in the tower. The Wolf… well the wolf is always lookingfor food. What about Jack and his friend Milky White? How do they findwhat they want? This show will also be touring in a smaller version to theschools in April. Also coming this spring - four women at various stagesof life bring their voices to the stage in a funny production with breathtak-ing musical numbers and hilarious antics in “Three Diva’s Plus One “.

For more information www.theresawasden.com



October1 Dan The Music Man – Bert Church Theatre Time TBA3 Fire Prevention Week – hug a fireman!4 Calgary Phiharmonic Orchestra Bert Church Theatre 7:30 pm

Hockey night in Airdrie - AirdrieThunder Home Game at Twin Arena visit www.airdriethunder.com for a complete season schedule

13 & 14 Mozart’s comedic spoof “The Impresario” Bert Church Theatre 7:30 pm16 – 22 Small Business Week – hug a small business owner!17 Networking & Small Business Week Kick Off Luncheon hosted by

Airdrie Chamber of Commerce 20 Winning Edge Award Dinner 22 “An evening (and afternoon) of Magic” Bert Church Theatre (time TBA)

www.airdrie.ca/com-serv/arts/bertprfrm.cfm22 Friends of Airdrie Library Fundraiser 26 – 28 Pumpkin give away (let Linus know!) Towerlane Mall – bring a food bank

donation28, 29, 30 “By the Beautiful Sea” Bert Church Theatre times TBA31 Boo! It’s Halloween. Stay warm and trick or treat at Towerlane Mall

November4 & 5 “Hansel & Gretel” the opera as presented by Red Box Productions

Bert Church Theatre time TBA11 Remembrance Day – pay your respects to Canada’s service men and women.10, 11, 12 Airdrie Little Theatre is putting on a show! “Sorry Wrong Chimney”

Bert Church Theatre times TBA16 Chamber Lunch & Learn - they learn, they lunch – what a crazy bunch!18 – 20 Lioness Christmas Craft Bazaar Towerlane Mall19 Wake Up Santa! at Towerlane Mall19 “The Cobblestones” down home music from Newfoundland

Bert Church Theatre 7:30 pm25 The Festival of Lights get switched on by Santa and 300,000 bulbs light up

the night! Open every night 6 - 9 pmMOONLITE MADNESS7pm - 11pm - City Wide Local businesses offer huge sales and special in store activities to help get your Xmas shopping started!

26 SANTA CLAUS PARADE 10 am - The 4th annual Airdrie Santa Claus Parade will travel south on Main Street from Centre Avenue to Nose Creek Park.

December2 Teddy Bear Festival begins at Nose Creek Valley Museum until January 33 & 4 The Nutcracker – a Christmas Tradition presented by Jeunesse

Classique Ballet Bert Church Theatre Times TBA4 check airdriefestivaloflights.com for special events happening each night at

Nose Creek Park31 New Years’ Eve at the Festival of Lights. Fireworks at the family friendly time

of 8 pm - NOTE THE NEW TIME.

Coming this spring March Kub Kar Rally, United Church Craft Bazaar, Spring Break,

the Easter Bunny and more performances at Bert Church Theatre.April Golf season begins, National Volunteer Week and Appreciation Night at

City Hall and the 28th Annual Home and Garden Fair on the 23 & 24.

AirdrieLIFE is... eventfull!cityLIVING



Economic GrowthWe are experiencing some exciting times in Airdrie's history. A number of new commercial andindustrial areas have started their groundwork in many parts of the City. We have seen anincreased interest in businesses wanting to locate, relocate, or expand in these areas. We are evenseeing a number of head offices scouting Airdrie to relocate and hope to have some exciting newsthis fall.

A number of factors can be attributed to the recent popularity of Airdrie. Land values in Calgaryare escalating, improvements to the north and south interchanges are being completed and nobusiness tax makes Airdrie an affordable place to do business. Secondly, we are minutes awayfrom the Calgary International Airport and we are the gateway to the Calgary - EdmontonCorridor that has seen an increase in national and international recognition over the past fewyears. With new industry and commercial opportunities come jobs... allowing more Airdrie residents to live, work and play all in our fine city.

As our population continues to increase we are working with the Calgary Health Region toestablish a Health Centre with additional services for Airdrie residents. Within the next year orso we should see something up and running.

The department is also working on a Business Asset Inventory allowing us to identify any newand emerging business sectors in Airdrie that will focus our marketing strategy to enhance andcompliment current business and allow for expansion of new business in identified sectors.

cityLIVING

AirdrieLIFE is... open for business!



The City of Airdrie’s Economic Development Departmentplays a number of roles for the City. Our Department is responsible for marketing the city provincially, nationally andinternationally along with communicating information to residents and businesses. With publications such asAirdrieLIFE which focuses on the community as a great placeto live, AirdrieWORKS focusing on Airdrie as one of the bestplaces to do business in Alberta and our community e-newslet-ter (www.airdrie.ca to sign up) promote Airdrie.

Economic Development also works with the business commu-nity to attract and retain economic and business growth, whichin turn increases services and employment in Airdrie. EconomicDevelopment can assist new business start-ups and businesseswishing to expand or move from a home based business to astorefront.

Business and RetailThe number of business licenses in Airdrie now exceeds 1500and continues to grow at an amazing pace. As of the end of Julywe have seen an increase of new business licenses up 6% from2004.

Airdrie's location services a market area of well over one millionpeople within a 40-mile radius; with the addition of some newcommercial areas we will see Airdrie become a true regional hubfor shopping. With a number of new residential commercialcentres being built around the City we are seeing new and exciting businesses that will offer the Airdrie shopper even moreselection and choices. As a result of having a regional commercial area being developed north of Main Street (RealCanadian Super Store development) and a regional commercialarea south by Co-op (Wal-Mart development), we are experi-encing a rejuvenation of our Downtown by creating a commer-cial corridor from North Airdrie to South Airdrie.

Some of the new developments in the downtown core includethe new Shoppers Drug Mart, new owners of Towerlane Mall,renovations and expansion of the Royal Bank and new ownersof the Old Hotel. The Downtown expansion on 1st Ave hascontinued, Ironwood Crossing has opened new commercialspaces and new development is planned north of the Pointe ofView Condominiums.

If you have any question regarding economic development ornew development, starting a new business or to receive a copy ofone of our publications please do not hesitate to contact theEconomic Development Department directly at 948-8844.

Kent Rupert Economic Development

Other Economic Facts about Airdrie…

Commercial Shopping/Service CentresTowerlane Mall Mainstreet Square East Airdrie Plaza Airdrie Plaza One Summerhill Plaza Edmonton Trail MallVillage Square Plaza Big Springs Plaza Airdrie Professional Centre Silver Creek Shopping CentreYankee Valley Crossing Luxstone

Financial InstitutionsBank of Nova Scotia Royal Bank of Canada Treasury Branch of Alberta Bow Valley Credit Union Toronto Dominion Bank

Chamber of CommerceAirdrie has an active Chamber of Commerce and membership is grow-ing at a steady rate. The Chamber of Commerce and the City of Airdriehave a close working relationship ensuring the needs of the businesscommunity are heard. For more information on the Chamber ofCommerce, contact the offices at 948-4412.

City Of Airdrie Customer Service AdvantagesTop quality customer care is a priority at the City of Airdrie corporateoffices. Development Permit and Building Permit applications are gen-erally processed within a six to eight week period. The EconomicDevelopment Department ensures questions are answered as quicklyas possible so your business can be up and running as fast as pos-sible.

Workforce AdvantagesAirdrie is one of the fastest growing cities in Canada at an average of7.5% per year over the last five years.

The Calgary region has one of the highest educated work forces inCanada, making Airdrie's location for workforce very attractive.

The Airdrie population is well educated with a high number of resi-dents holding a trade certificate, diploma or bachelor degree.

Location AdvantagesA unique geographical advantage places Airdrie immediately adjacentto the Queen Elizabeth 2 Highway on the Calgary/Edmonton Corridor.

This results in over 20 million vehicles a year passing through Airdrie.

The Calgary -Edmonton Corridor has been recognized as being one ofthe richest corridors in North America while still obtaining quality oflife.

Airdrie is 20 minutes away from downtown Calgary, ten minutes awayfrom the Calgary International Airport and 20 minutes away frommajor educational facilities.

Financial AdvantagesAirdrie has competitively priced industrial and commercial land. Thecombination of no business tax and no provincial sales tax results insubstantial savings for any business locating in the City of Airdrie.

High technologyAirdrie has access to a large volume of professionals to meet theinformation technology needs of local business.



Service Organizations1st Airdrie Scouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .948-06452nd Airdrie Scouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . .948-2581Air Cadets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .880-3253Airdrie Breakfast Club . . . . . . . . . .948-2121Airdrie Chamber of Commerce . .948-4412Alberta 4-H . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .310-000Army Cadets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .680-5565Friends of the Library . . . . . . . . . . .948-2778Girl Guides of Canada . . . . . . . . . .912-0766Junior Forest Wardens . . . . . . . . . . .948-0583Kinsmen Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .948-6519Knights of Columbus . . . . . . . . . . .948-5429Lioness Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .948-3253Lions Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .948-5447Optimist Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .948-3315Rotary Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .948-1516Royal Canadian Legion . . . . . . . . . .948-3000Scouts of Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .948-7938

Sports GroupsAdult Badminton Club . . . . . . . . . .948-6642Adult Hockey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .948-4242Airdrie & District

Recreation Complex . . . . . . . . . . .948-4242Airdrie & District

Special Olympics . . . . . . . . . . . . .948-7222Airdrie BMX Association . . . . . . .912-0919Airdrie Chinooks Winds

Baseball Association . . . . . . . . . .948-7387Airdrie Curling Club . . . . . . . . . . . .948-7100Airdrie Drag Racing Team . . . . . . .948-2962Airdrie Dance Academy . . . . . . . .948- 5530Airdrie Edge Gymnastics Club . . .948-7769Airdrie Ju-Jitsu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .239-9467Airdrie Judo Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .948-1930Airdrie Karate Club . . . . . . . . . . . . .912-1903Airdrie Ladies Fastball League . . .948-6555Airdrie Minor Basketball . . . . . . . .948-6555Airdrie Minor

Hockey Association . . . . . . . . . .948-6160Airdrie Mixed Industrial

Slo-pitch (Rick Campos) . . . . . .948-5900Airdrie Ringette Association . . . . .912-0806Airdrie Skating Club . . . . . . . . . . . . 948-7183Airdrie Soccer Association . . . . . . .948-4413Airdrie Softball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .948-5071Airdrie Tae-Kwon

Do & Tae Boxing . . . . . . . . . . . . .912-5760Airdrie Storm Football . . . . . . . . . . 912-0700Airdrie Thunder Junior Hockey . .948-7511Airdrie Volleyball Club . . . . . . . . . . 948-3367Airdrie Youth Bowling . . . . . . . . . . .948-3404Flying Tiger Hwarang Do Club . .912-1588Mall Walkers Walking Club . . . . .948-7819Nose Creek Swim Association . . .208-5353Old Timers Hockey . . . . . . . . . . . . .948-3156Rockyview Lacrosse Association .948-5759Star Baton & Dance Company . . .948-9999Synchro Stars Club of Airdrie . . . .948-4327

Hobby and LeisureAirdrie & District Art Council . . .948-2153Airdrie Artist’s Guild . . . . . . . . . . . .948-3253Airdrie Community Choir . . . . . . .948-2118Airdrie Horticulture Society . . . . .948-9950Airdrie Little Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . .948-6289Airdrie Rodeo Ranch Association 948-0512Airdrie Skate for Fun . . . . . . . . . . . .948-4103Alberta Model

Engineering Society . . . . . . . . . .948-2380Bert Church Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . .948-2153Imeson Highland Dancers . . . . . . .812-0726Modellers Aircraft Society . . . . . . .948-4145Northern Trails Riding Club . . . . . 912-0629Nose Creek Historical Society

Over 50 Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .948-6287Pegasus Pony Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . .948-2271Revolver & Pistol Club . . . . . . . . . .948-0421Rockyview Ramblers Square

Dance Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .948-4181 Rodeo Association . . . . . . . . . . . . . .948-5739Running Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .948-4800Toastmasters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .605-8532Windy Ridge Riders . . . . . . . . . . . .948-3936Woodside Seniors Association . . .948-4088

Airdrie SchoolsTo learn more about the school boundariesthat determine which public school your childwould attend, visit www.rockyview.ab.ca.

The separate school is part of the CalgaryCatholic Separate School Division #1, head-quartered in Calgary: www.cssd.ab.ca.

A new Francophone school, EcoleFrancophone Airdrie is slated to open thisSeptember. [email protected].

Airdrie Public Schools A.E. Bowers (K-4) Ecole Airdrie Middle (5-8) Edwards Elementary (K-4) R.J. Hawkey (K-4) Ralph McCall (K-8)

Muriel Clayton Middle (5-8) Rocky View Virtual School (9-12) Meadowbrook Middle (5-8) Bert Church High (9-12) George McDougall High (9-12)

SeparateOur Lady Queen of Peace School (K-6) St. Martin de Porres (7-12)

PrivateAirdrie Koinonia Christian School (K-12)

Other Education Facilities in AirdrieAcademy of LearningRocky View Adult EducationSylvan Learning Center

Post Secondary EducationBow Valley College

In CalgarySouthern Alberta Institute of Technology

(SAIT)Mount Royal CollegeUniversity of CalgaryDeVryAlberta College of Art and Design (ACAD)

Preschools and Daycare CentresAirdrie Day Care CentreAirdrie Family ServicesStepping Stones Children’s CentreStay and PlayChristian PlayschoolEast Lake Little People's PlayschoolFuzzy Pickles PlayschoolMagic Mountain Day CareThe Learning Village Preschool Ltd.Time to Play Preschool Ltd.Airdrie Montessori PreschoolKids Quest Preschool

AirdrieLIFE is... community minded!cityLIVING


East Lake Recreation & Wellness Centre Ph: (403) 948 - 8804 website: www.airdrie.ca

Fall 2005 Schedule - effective September 1 - December 31, 2005CUSTOMER SERVICE

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY5:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. 5:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. 5:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. 5:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. 5:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.

FITNESS CENTRE5:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. 5:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. 5:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. 5:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. 5:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.

CHILDCAREPrebooking of child care is required - call 948 - 8804 ext. 512

8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. 8:30 a.m. - 1:15 p.m. 8:45 - 11:45 p.m.5:30 - 8 p.m. 5:15 - 8 p.m. 5:30 - 8 p.m. 5:15 - 8 p.m.

AQUATIC & AEROBIC FITNESS CLASSESNO CLASSES: JAN. 1, FEB. 19 & 21, MAR. 21 & 23, 2005 (DUE TO HOLIDAY WEEKENDS)

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

5:45 - 6:30 a.m. Deep Water Running Deep Water Running8:00 - 8:45 a.m. Deep Water Running8:45 - 9:30 a.m. Deep Water Running9:15 - 10:15 a.m. Aquafit Aquafit Aquafit Variety

Step World Beat Circuit Tae Box10:20 - 11 a.m. Fit Over Fifty11:15a.m. - 12 p.m. Older Adult Aquafit Older Adult Aquafit Older Adult Aquafit12:15 - 1 p.m. Deep Water Running Deep Water Running5:30 - 6:15 p.m. Deep Water Running Deep Water Running6:15 - 7 p.m. Deep Water Running Deep Water Running5:30 - 6:30 World Beat Butt’s & Gutts6:30 - 7:30 p.m. Boot Camp Tae Box6:45 - 7:45 p.m. Butt’s & Gutts Step & Ball8 - 8:45 p.m. Deep Water Running Deep Water Running

PLEASE NOTE: Children under the age of seven are required to be accompanied by a responsible person 16 years of age or older. Further, to ensure safety, the child is to be with-in arms reach of the responsible person at all times they are in the aquatic area. Patrons are required to take a cleansing shower prior to entering any of the aquatic bodies ofwater, steam room or before making use of the water slide.

AQUATIC HOURS - WINTER 2005/SPRING 2006The waterslide is operational during Family and Public Swim Times

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAYOpen Public Swim 2 - 4:30 p.m. 2 - 5 p.m. 2 - 4:30 p.m. 2 - 5 p.m. 2 - 8 p.m. 3 - 8:30 p.m. 3 - 8:30 p.m.

8 - 9:30 p.m. 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. 8 - 9:30 p.m. 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.Teens Only Swim 8 - 9:30 p.m.Parent & Tot Swim 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.Family Swim 6:30 - 8 p.m. 6:30 - 8 p.m. 1 a.m. - 3 p.m. 12 - 3 p.m.Lane Swim 5:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. 5:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. 5:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. 5:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. 5:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. 7 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. 7 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

7:15 - 9 p.m. 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.Hot Tub,Steam Room 5:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. 5:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. 5:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. 5:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. 5:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. 7 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. 7 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.Tot Pool 5:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. 5:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. 5:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. 5:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. 5:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. 7 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. 7 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

1 - 8:30 p.m.Home School Drop In 12 - 2 p.m.

Floatation device’s may be used during any Public and/or Family Swim TimesDive Tank closed Thursday 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Note: Schedules subject to change, please call 948-8804 for informationGymnasium Schedule available at the Centre or www.airdrie.ca


AirdrieLIFE_cover_vol2 10/23/05 9:14 PM Page 5


Iam sitting here writing this, moments after saying goodbye to Saori Ohta, ourJapanese exchange student we hosted this summer for two weeks. I still havetears in my eyes because the farewell was so emotional for all the families

involved. 53 students from Shonan Gakuen School in Kanagawa Japan came toexperience life in Airdrie with Airdrie families and learn English.

We were told in the pamphlets that hosting an exchange student would be a“rewarding experience.” What that does not tell you is how profoundly their stayaffects your whole family. Saori was a delightful sixteen-year-old whom instantlybecame a part of our family. She marveled at the big sky, helped me in the kitchen,was game for a white water rafting adventure and taught us to write our ownnames in Japanese. She loves chocolate so she fit right in with Jeanine. She helpedAli learn to use chopsticks. She made Scott a poster congratulating his silvermedal in the World Master Games in Edmonton (Yay Scott!)

As part of their trip the students had English classes in the morning and field tripsin the afternoon. One afternoon was simply touring around Airdrie (they made agreat scavenger hunt out of it) and when you see your community through neweyes, it always makes you pause and think of all the things that you take for granted. Sure that “rat hole” under the highway is a pain between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.(yes we have rush hour traffic) but how many communities have such amazingpathways?

As we shared our world with Saori it became evident to me how much I love mylife, my friendships, the organizations we are involved in and the activities we dothat revolve around Airdrie. (It also made me cry like a baby during the nationalanthem.)

It is fitting that this issue of AirdrieLIFE ends up focusing on people who havemade a difference in this community. From the grand Heloise Lorimer (I hope tohave her spunk at 93!) to the devotion of the Festival of Lights volunteers and theyouth in our community trying to effect change, I have learned a lot about civicpride.

I talked to many families for this issue, finding out what they loved best abouttheir community and developed a wonderful email correspondence with a familyin Great Britain that is planning to move to Airdrie.

I hope you find this fall issue of AirdrieLIFE inspires you either move here andbecome part of this wonderful community or get more involved as a currentAirdronian.

Sherry Shaw-FroggattEditor

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airdrielife fall2005

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