Airdrie is currently under level four outdoor water restrictions. Outdoor watering banned. Learn more
A captivating setting can transport people to another time or place, create a certain mood or atmosphere, and enhance the overall story of a community. Whether it's grand and elaborate or simple and minimalistic, a well-designed and carefully planned area can have a significant positive impact on the lives of those who experience it.
Airdrie City Council has identified Downtown Revitalization as a key focus area. Our goal is to transform the downtown into a vibrant and thriving area that offers a unique blend of proactive investment, strategic location, community engagement, sustainable growth, and collaborative support.
Our aims are clear: we want to double the current development in the downtown by supporting local businesses that want to expand and attracting new investments. We also aim to draw residents by supporting the development of new housing options and invite visitors to the area with exciting new events.
The City has taken a proactive approach to make downtown Airdrie an attractive place for investment with a series of incentives to accelerate downtown redevelopment.
The program aims to help eligible businesses and property owners upgrade their storefronts or buildings, construct new patios, add temporary art installations, purchase new outdoor seating and more.
The 2024 program opens May 1 and applications will be accepted until all funds have been committed to successful applicants or 4 p.m. Aug. 30, 2024 - whichever is reached first.
Incentives encourage investment that might not otherwise happen and can be used to promote specific types of development and improvements in an area.
The goals of the program are to:
The activation and collaboration grant provides financial support for businesses, not-for-profits, or public institutions to implement first time or inaugural events, program or initiatives that physically take place in Downtown.
A pre-application meeting is strongly recommended. To book, email downtown@airdrie.ca
The beautification grant financially supports business and property owners in making visual enhancements to increase downtown vibrancy.
A pre-application meeting is strongly recommended. To book email downtown@airdrie.ca.
Letter of Authorization (PDF)(for application submission)
The Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) Grant will ease the cost of phase one and two Environmental Site Assessments (ESA) for due diligence, new development or redevelopment projects within the Community Revitalization Levy boundary.
A pre-application meeting is required. To book, email downtown@airdrie.ca
The expedited development permit review incentive is a municipal commitment for an expedited level of service and to provide certainty for development decisions on permits for new developments.
A pre-application meeting is required. To book, email downtown@airdrie.ca
Letter of Authorization (PDF) (for application submission)
The façade improvement grant provides financial assistance to businesses or property owners to undertake improvements to existing non residential buildings within the Downtown. Improvements could range from changes to the building envelope, addition of accessibility features, exterior entrances, lighting, signage etc.
A pre-application meeting is strongly recommended. To book, email downtown@airdrie.ca
Letter of Authorization (PDF) (for application submission)
The Parking Structure Subsidy will address a barrier to development by offsetting costs to constructing parking structures in coordination with an approved development.
A pre-application meeting is required. To book, email downtown@airdrie.ca
The Patio Grant subsidizes the cost to assist food and beverage businesses with the development of new or improved, seasonal or permanent patios, including those that may extend into the municipal right of way including lanes, alleyways, and sidewalks.
A pre-application meeting is required. To book email downtown@airdrie.ca
Letter of Authorization (for application submission)
Our Core Strategy: A Revitalization Plan for Downtown Airdrie, adopted by Council in September 2022, encourages us to approach downtown revitalization in a unique way – to “downtown differently”. The plan thoroughly examines the strengths and weaknesses of the downtown and sets ambitious objectives to accelerate development. This work is expected to create between 1,000 and 7,000 new jobs and residents, as well as up to $154 million in new assessment value over the next 10 years.
Community Revitalization Levies were created by the province to allow municipalities to invest in public infrastructure or take actions necessary to encourage private investment. This is done by using the provincial portion of tax revenues from assessment increases in a specific geographic area.
At a special meeting of Council on December 28, 2022, following a public hearing, the CRL was approved and went into effect on January 1, 2023.
CRL projects will help the City of Airdrie to do “Downtown Differently”.