Abstract Manager

The City of Airdrie, situated approximately 6 km north of the Calgary city limits, is one of the fastest growing municipalities in Canada.  Airdrie is experiencing challenges with both population and infrastructure growth resulting in demands for higher levels of service for snow and ice control on roads, sidewalks, pathways, and outdoor skating rinks. Compounding these challenges, is a stark difference of public expectations regarding service levels, particularly from residents new to the City.

Further compounding these challenges are new residential housing densification designs utilizing narrow back laneways where winter snow and ice impair access for waste management collection and emergency management services.

In addition, Airdrie has a very limited water supply.  Airdrie must be extremely careful to protect the quality of water from the chloride loading that can result from winter maintenance operations so the water can be reused for other purposes such as irrigation and ensure the chloride concentrations of released water meet provincial regulations.

Airdrie has undertaken a public survey yielding over 1800 responses. The survey details the public satisfaction with the current service levels, input on improvement options, parking restrictions for winter plowing, street plowing, increase use of winter materials, willingness to pay for additional services, and an opportunity to suggest other innovative solutions. This survey, along with municipal peer reviews and internal consultations, will help the City Council understand and prioritize the critical needs.

Strategies will be developed including a public communications plan, emergency response plan, implementation plan, and monitoring will ensure the City provides the best level of service for the residents balancing expectations and environmental responsibility while ensuring fiscal responsibility.