Airdrie, Alberta, is a vibrant city located within the Calgary Region in Canada. It's nestled at the intersection of Queen Elizabeth II Highway (Highway 2) and Highway 567, making it a strategic location within the Calgary–Edmonton Corridor. Airdrie is part of the Calgary census metropolitan area and a member municipality of the Calgary Metropolitan Region Board (CMRB), surrounded by the picturesque Rocky View County.
Airdrie was first established as a railway siding in 1889 during the construction of the Calgary and Edmonton Railway. It was named after Airdrie, Scotland, and originated as a stopping point for steam trains next to Nose Creek. The first farmhouse and barn were built in 1901, followed by a post office and store in the same year. The village of Airdrie was incorporated in 1909. The Nose Creek Valley Museum offers an overview of Airdrie's rich history.
In 2012, Airdrie annexed 12.640 acres of land from Rocky View County to accommodate anticipated growth until 2062. Airdrie's southern and Calgary's northern city boundaries are within a few kilometres of each other, making it a strategic location for both residential and commercial growth.
Airdrie is divided into four civic addressing quadrants. As of 2023, the City of Airdrie recognized several neighbourhoods, not including rural and annexation land.
According to the 2023 Municipal Census conducted by the City of Airdrie, the city had a population of 80,649. Between April 2019 and the end of March 2023, 2,534 new homes were added in Airdrie, an increase of 9.67 per cent for a total of 28,744 dwellings. The population grew 14% from the last municipal census in 2019.
In 2021, 74.7% of residents were white/European, 20.4% were visible minorities, and 4.9% were Indigenous.
Nose Creek Regional Park hosts the annual Airdrie Festival of Lights during the Christmas season. Other annual festivals include the Canada Day Parade and the Airdrie Pro Rodeo. Airdrie's primary cultural venues include the Nose Creek Valley Museum and the Bert Church Live Theatre, which hosts the Annual Airdrie Mayor's Night of the Arts.
Airdrie is home to several attractions, including the Nose Creek Valley Museum, Bert Church Live Theatre, Iron Horse Park, Airdrie Festival of Lights, Airdrie Pro Rodeo, and Airdrie Family Fall Fair. The Nose Creek Regional Park also houses the bronze sculpture Iethka Grandmother's Teachings and the first monument in Alberta to Philippine National Hero, José Rizal.
Airdrie is situated on the Queen Elizabeth II Highway (Highway 2), which links Calgary and Edmonton. Highway 567 provides access to Cochrane to the west and Irricana to the east. Airdrie is served by the Airdrie Airport, with the closest major airport being the Calgary International Airport. Airdrie launched the InterCity Express (ICE) in the fall of 2010, connecting Airdrie and Calgary transit hubs by a two-way express bus service. Local bus service is provided by Airdrie Transit.
Airdrie offers a full slate of resident services, with any services not available in the city being easily obtained nearby in Calgary. The city is served by a number of strip-mall developments, including Tower Lane Mall, Kingsview Market, and Cooper's Town Promenade. On the city's south end, the Sierra Springs area includes big-box retail including a Home Depot, Walmart Supercentre, London Drugs, Michael's and Winners. The city's north end includes Real Canadian Superstore and Canadian Tire locations and other major grocery chains such as Sobeys, Canada Safeway, Saveon Foods and Calgary Co-op are also located in the city.
Airdrie, Alberta, has been twinned with Gwacheon, South Korea since 1997 and Airdrie, North Lanarkshire, Scotland. These partnerships foster cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the cities.
