Airdrie in the Winter
Photo compliments of the Airdrie Echo

Map of Airdrie

HISTORY

Airdrie appears to have been named around 1889 by William McKenzie, a Scottish engineer for the Calgary and Edmonton Railway. The name comes from a village northeast of Glasgow in his native Scotland. The Village of Airdrie was incorporated in 1909 and grew slowly over the next 50 years. By 1963 Airdrie had a population of 678. During the late 70's and early 80's Airdrie's growth exploded with residential housing development on the east side of Highway 2, resulting in a population of over 10,000 by 1982. In January 1985 Airdrie became Alberta's 14th city and today has a population of over 27,000.

BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

More and more business owners are choosing to set up shop in Airdrie. With no business tax assessed and the City administration doing its best to take care of business by providing a pro-business environment in the City, it's no surprise. Currently, over 900 businesses provide goods and services to Airdrie and Calgary residents. A healthy industrial economic base is provided with a variety of manufacturing, food processing, waste management, truck transportation, warehousing, oil and gas and agricultural businesses represented. Access to national and international markets is provided by Airdrie's location on the major north-south highway in Alberta and its proximity to the Calgary International Airport and the Trans Canada Highway. From a consumer perspective, Airdrie offers residents a choice of several malls providing retail outlets as well as professional, dental and medical services.

THE AIRDRIE ADVANTAGE

Downtown Airdrie is only 10km. north of Calgary city limits and 18 km. north of the International Airport. Other popular Alberta destinations include Red Deer (112km.) Edmonton (261km.) and Banff (159km.), while the U.S. border can be reached in approximately four hours (367km.). The Peter Lougheed Hospital offering 24 hour emergency services is 25km. and Foothills Hospital is 35km. from Airdrie. Airdrie is a family oriented community with a small town charm and the amenities associated with a larger centre including recreational facilities, excellent schools, several medical clinics, more than a dozen churches, theatres, public library, museum and several parks. Airdrie residents enjoy miles and miles of bike and walking paths throughout the city.

THE AIRDRIE COMMUNITY

The Virtual Community Resource Centre is an ongoing collaborative project of the City of Airdrie Community Services Department and the North Rocky View Community Resource Centre. Come back often to see what's new in and around your community.

2004 CANADA DAY PARADE

The Airdrie Chamber of Commerce joined with YES (Youth Employment Services) for the Canada Day Parade.

AIRDRIE'S FIRST ANNUAL SANTA CLAUS PARADE

The Santa Claus Parade is a huge success each year with over 40 parade entries and the streets lined with crowds. Here's a few photos, compliments of www.airdrieonline.com

Past Chamber President Brian Dennis

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