Like many communities, Airdrie is finishing 2009 much stronger than how the year began. Residential, commercial and industrial projects were stalled with the credit crunch slowing down developers. With the worst seemingly behind us, we're seeing new development activity picking up across the city.
Some of the most encouraging and tangible results are in the downtown. Creekside Crossing anchored by Airdrie's first Sobey's grocery store has broken ground on the corner of First Avenue and 8th Street. This development will feature a mix of commercial, office and medical space ranging from 1,000 sqft to 20,000 sqft. Rumoured tenants include a Sobey's Western Cellars, Original Joe's Restaurant and a few smaller retailers and restaurants.
Directly across First Avenue from Creekside Crossing is the new Willowbrook Professional Centre. Anchoring the development is Airdrie's second Shopper's Drug Mart which is scheduled to to open soon. Joining Shopper's will be a variety of medical and professional services in the detached office area on the north side of the property.
Outside of the Downtown, two of Airdrie's newest business parks are ending the year on a high note. In Gateway, McArthur's Fine Furniture opened their new 35,000 sqft location earlier this month. This eye-catching property runs along Alberta's busiest highway, the QE2, and is Gateway's first tenant. McArthur's will be joined by a new ATCO Gas office location, the city's main emergency services facility and other future tenants.
Mirroring the development on the westside of the QE2, Highland Business Park is busy with activity. Housing Western Canada's Costco Distribution Centre, Highland Park is preparing for a second large industrial user as construction is well underway for a building or comparative size. The park also features a 31,000 ready-to-occupy, freestanding industrial facility across from the Costco Distribution Centre available for purchase.
Looking forward, 2010 promises to be another busy year for development in Airdrie. Gateway, Highland, Towerlane Centre, Creekside Crossing, Sierra Springs and King's Heights are all primed for growth as new storefront businesses continue to develop in one of Canada's fastest growing cities.
For leasing information on any of the above developments please contact our office: economic.development@airdrie.ca
Monday, December 14, 2009
Monday, December 7, 2009
What will the Homes of Tomorrow Look Like?
If the three little pigs were to construct their homes in the 21st century would they still use straw, sticks and bricks? I'm guessing, with the advances in building technologies, their homes would be more energy-efficient, environmentally friendly and big bad wolf-proof using new materials, technologies and processes.
The future of homes is being showcased this week in Calgary. Home builders and building product suppliers will converge for the Alberta Green Building Technologies Symposium, a two day expo of present and future technologies to innovate the home starting Tuesday, December 8th. The agenda features many sessions dedicated on the business case for green. Also on the agenda is HGTV's Mike Holmes Tuesday evening followed by a manufacturer's showcase of green goodness.
If you're planning on attending I'll (Chris) be checking out the two days including a stint volunteering at the Calgary Regional Partnership's booth Wednesday morning from 9-11am and again in the afternoon from 2-3pm. See you there!
For more information on the Alberta Green Building Technologies Symposium visit their website - www.greenbuildingtech.ca
The future of homes is being showcased this week in Calgary. Home builders and building product suppliers will converge for the Alberta Green Building Technologies Symposium, a two day expo of present and future technologies to innovate the home starting Tuesday, December 8th. The agenda features many sessions dedicated on the business case for green. Also on the agenda is HGTV's Mike Holmes Tuesday evening followed by a manufacturer's showcase of green goodness.
If you're planning on attending I'll (Chris) be checking out the two days including a stint volunteering at the Calgary Regional Partnership's booth Wednesday morning from 9-11am and again in the afternoon from 2-3pm. See you there!
For more information on the Alberta Green Building Technologies Symposium visit their website - www.greenbuildingtech.ca
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Taxi Requirements in Airdrie
The Free Market Approach
Over the past year Airdrie has experienced a jump in the number of licensed taxi companies. At last review the city had 29 licensed taxi operators with many operators employing multiple vehicles. Why the jump? Airdrie continues to be one of the fastest growing cities in Canada averaging 8.3% annual growth over the past 5 years (last year we welcome 11 new residents a day). The city is also minutes away from one of Alberta's largest and newest enclosed shopping centres - the new Cross Iron Mills mall in neighboring Balzac. However, the most significant factor in the industry's growth has been the free-market approach adopted by the city.
Airdrie has been relatively regulation-free for taxi companies. Unlike markets governed by a taxi commission, the city imposes no limit on the number of taxi licenses approved. There are no plate or numbering systems, nor are vehicles required to operate with a taximeter. The single municipal requirement for taxis companies is a valid business license.
These regulations will be changing in 2010, as City Council will be reviewing the new Taxi Bylaw during the first regular council meeting scheduled in December (Dec. 7th, 2009 at 7pm). A number of changes to the industry are proposed including new requirements for licensing and certification of drivers and vehicles and a new fee structure. There will be no cap on the number of taxi licenses nor will there be a grandfather clause for existing companies. All taxi companies operating within the city will be required to satisfy the new requirements once approved by City Council.
Over the past year Airdrie has experienced a jump in the number of licensed taxi companies. At last review the city had 29 licensed taxi operators with many operators employing multiple vehicles. Why the jump? Airdrie continues to be one of the fastest growing cities in Canada averaging 8.3% annual growth over the past 5 years (last year we welcome 11 new residents a day). The city is also minutes away from one of Alberta's largest and newest enclosed shopping centres - the new Cross Iron Mills mall in neighboring Balzac. However, the most significant factor in the industry's growth has been the free-market approach adopted by the city.
Airdrie has been relatively regulation-free for taxi companies. Unlike markets governed by a taxi commission, the city imposes no limit on the number of taxi licenses approved. There are no plate or numbering systems, nor are vehicles required to operate with a taximeter. The single municipal requirement for taxis companies is a valid business license.
These regulations will be changing in 2010, as City Council will be reviewing the new Taxi Bylaw during the first regular council meeting scheduled in December (Dec. 7th, 2009 at 7pm). A number of changes to the industry are proposed including new requirements for licensing and certification of drivers and vehicles and a new fee structure. There will be no cap on the number of taxi licenses nor will there be a grandfather clause for existing companies. All taxi companies operating within the city will be required to satisfy the new requirements once approved by City Council.
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