- Details
- By David Dempsey
- Category: A plan for action module
- Hits: 251
Each year, Airdrie City Council decides how much money is needed to support the services we all rely on.
After factoring in other revenue sources like sales and user charges, license fees, and provincial grants, the remaining balance — about 40% of the City's total operating budget — needs to be covered by property taxes.
Of the property taxes collected, 32% goes toward the Provincial Education Tax, which the City is required to collect and send to the Province of Alberta. The City has no control over this amount — it’s set entirely by the Province. Another 1% is collected for the Rocky View Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides low-rental housing for seniors in Airdrie, which I personally love. The remaining 67% is made up of the Municipal Property Tax, which the City uses to fund vital services like community growth and protective services (such as policing and fire protection), administration (things like IT services and procurement), infrastructure (parks, roads, crews, and engineering projects), community services (such as transit and the new recreation centre), and of course, the operation of City Council itself.
Taxes are the primary way governments fund the services and infrastructure that keep a city running. They help maintain the roads we drive on, support the schools that educate our kids, and fund emergency services and social programs that protect our communities. In Airdrie specifically, the taxes we pay are also helping to fund community projects like the new recreation centre, the new library, the potential downtown revitalization, and they help Rocky View Schools (RVS) access the additional funds needed to build new schools for our rapidly growing population. Not everyone is a fan of every project, and that's okay. But a modern city does need modern amenities, and they need to be funded responsibly.
That said, we have to acknowledge that taxes do have some downsides. They reduce disposable income for individuals and businesses, which can limit spending and investment. High taxes can discourage work, innovation, and entrepreneurship, and in some cases, they can even slow economic growth. Plus, taxes come with administrative burdens and added costs for both governments and taxpayers.
Now let me be clear: I am not a fan of double-digit tax increases. They hit families and local businesses hard, and we simply can’t keep going back to residents for more every time we hit a budget crunch. If elected, I will be looking closely at how we can mitigate these kinds of increases in the future. That means prioritizing quality projects that come in on time and on budget.
While none of us enjoys paying taxes, we do understand their importance and the role they play in supporting our city. But we must be thoughtful and responsible with how every dollar is spent. As citizens, we have the right to expect genuine progress and meaningful change, not just convenient promises rolled out during elections. Our community deserves consistent, transparent improvements that truly reflect the investment we're all making.
My commitment is to ensure that every tax dollar delivers real value to Airdrie. I’m all in for building great things like schools, libraries, and rec centres — but we must do it with discipline and accountability. Making sure that this happens isn’t just a priority for me, it’s one of the defining reasons that I choose to run for City Council.
- Details
- By David Dempsey
- Category: A plan for action module
- Hits: 251
Lets make our communication between the City of Airdrie and its residents clearer, more accessible, and more proactive.
Too often, citizens are expected to track down important information themselves, navigating websites, attending council meetings, or making calls and emails just to stay informed. This places the burden on busy residents rather than on the City, where it belongs. As a member of City Council, I will work to simplify communication so that every resident can easily understand how city decisions impact them. A key component of this strategy is exploring the feasibility of a City of Airdrie app, one that would provide direct updates, simplify access to information, and ensure that residents are always informed. Other small Canadian cities and municipalities have successfully implemented similar tools, proving that better engagement is possible. For instance, Innisfail uses an app to push notifications about snow removals, road closures, school closures, local emergency alerts, various town deadlines, and communications to its residents.
Personally, I feel a bit disconnected from local decision-making. The average person won't have the time to sift through government documents or decode municipal jargon. Instead, it is the responsibility of the City Council to reach out, explain decisions clearly, and ensure that everyone has access to the information they need in a way that makes sense. Beyond just improving communication, I am focused on transforming how engagement works. I believe in a structured yet open approach, where decisions are explained clearly, input is genuinely considered, and diverse perspectives are actively included. My goal is not just to inform, but to involve—creating a city government that listens, adapts, and truly works for its people.
My commitment is to use modern engagement tools, clearer communication strategies, and have a council that prioritizes transparency. Let's strengthen the relationship between Airdrie’s city hall and its residents like never before
- Details
- By David Dempsey
- Category: A plan for action module
- Hits: 267
Airdrie is the largest city in Alberta without a hospital. That needs to change.
The decision to build a hospital lies with the Alberta provincial government, but it is up to our local representatives—our MLA(s), mayor, and city council—to push for it. As your representative, I will be relentless in advocating for Airdrie to get the healthcare facility we desperately need.
And that need is undeniable. Our city is growing rapidly, and our residents should not have to risk long drives to Calgary in medical emergencies. Airdrie is the largest municipality in Alberta without a hospital, and needs it to address critical healthcare gaps, including labour and delivery, diabetes care, ultrasound, overnight beds, surgery, and every other situation that stretches, or is beyond, the abilities of the current Community Health Center.
Other cities have successfully secured major hospital funding—Red Deer was allocated $100 million in 2019 for hospital expansion, and that project has since increased in scope to $1.8B as per the majorprojects.alberta.ca website. Project to be completed by 2029. So 10 years from initial funding to project completion, which means that if we get a hospital funded for Airdrie today, it won't be completed until sometime in the mid-2030s. And, the estimated population for Airdrie in 2035 is a whopping 145000 residents.
Everyone acknowledges that we cannot build a hospital on its own, but we can remove obstacles and make Airdrie impossible for the province to ignore. That requires leadership, strategy, and a fight that we are all ready for.
There is some encouraging news—a proposed “North Calgary/Airdrie Regional Health Centre” is currently under discussion. There’s no budget, location, or timeline yet, just a mention on a government website. But if we want to see real progress within the next decade, the time to act is now.
My commitment is to advocate relentlessly for Airdrie and hold the province accountable to ensure this proposal doesn’t remain just talk, but becomes a reality. This issue has been raised across multiple election cycles, it’s now time to move past talk, and start getting things done.
- Details
- By David Dempsey
- Category: A plan for action module
- Hits: 202
A new rec centre is something Airdrie really needs right now.
With how fast our city’s growing, it’s no surprise that our current facilities are packed, especially during peak times. Whether it’s swimming lessons, pickleball, or a space for community programs, or a multitude of other things, the demand is clearly outpacing what we have.
Adding more recreational space isn’t just about convenience, it’s about building a healthier, more connected community. A well-thought-out rec centre can offer something for everyone: a place for kids to play and learn, for teens to stay active and social, for adults and seniors to unwind and stay engaged. It supports both physical and mental well-being, and it gives us more chances to come together as a community.
What makes this project really exciting is that it’s being shaped by local input. I encourage everyone to get involved, whether that’s filling out the online surveys or attending open houses like the one we had back in March. This is our chance to help guide the design and ensure the final result truly reflects what Airdrie needs.
My commitment is to support community-focused projects like the new recreation centre, and other developments that will serve Airdrie families and residents for generations. As someone committed to Airdrie’s health and well-being, I believe in smart, accessible development that benefits everyone, not just today, but for years to come. I’m looking forward to seeing the site master plan options and doing my part to help make this rec centre a great addition for all of us.
- Details
- By David Dempsey
- Category: A plan for action module
- Hits: 314
The City of Airdrie has invested significant time and resources into a comprehensive Downtown Revitalization Plan, and it’s starting to deliver results.
When Council adopted the plan, it set out with clear objectives: support reinvestment, create a vibrant city core, and make the most of available funding tools. That vision was backed by real action, including the Downtown Incentives Program and the Community Revitalization Levy (CRL), which helps keep more local property tax dollars right here in Airdrie.
This initiative is about more than just beautifying downtown — it’s designed to create jobs, enhance community spaces, and make our city core a true hub for residents, businesses, and visitors. As your representative on City Council, I won’t stand in the way of the work that’s already been done. Instead, I’ll make sure we move forward in ways that benefit the most people, as quickly and responsibly as possible.
In 2024 alone, there were 21 projects approved through the incentives program, generating $1.52 million in private re-investment. Storefronts will be modernized, pedestrian access should improve, and there’s a sense of overall enthusiasm.
For residents, this plan means more places to gather and connect. We’re talking about safer, more accessible streets, more spots to shop and dine, and public spaces that are welcoming. By encouraging walkable, cyclist-friendly design, while maintaining good road access and parking, we’re making downtown more inviting for everyone. Think of it...more pop-up markets, live events, and spaces that make you proud to attend.
For businesses, this is a huge opportunity. The Downtown Incentives Program supports storefront upgrades, outdoor seating, patios, murals, and public art — all aimed at drawing people in, increasing foot traffic, and building a destination that works for our local economy.
And the impact goes far beyond aesthetics. The CRL redirected $441,000 in tax revenue back into our community in 2024 and is projected to bring in $509,000 in 2025. Those funds are already supporting important projects, from environmental site assessments to the Nose Creek Corridor design. Application approvals are now 75% faster, and apparently, the City has already connected with almost 100 businesses through outreach and engagement. So it looks like businesses are excited about this too.
Most importantly, this plan is expected to create up to 7,000 new jobs — a game-changing boost to our local economy. Strong businesses mean more jobs, and ultimately leads to better city services for everyone.
But this isn’t happening automatically. The CRL has a time limit of roughly 20 years. That’s why Council’s decision on the 2025 Downtown Incentives Program is so important.
My commitment to you is simple: I will continue to push for smart, forward-thinking policies that cut red tape and keep this momentum going. Airdrie’s downtown revitalization should not just be a plan on a website. It should be something we see and feel. And it should reflect the needs of everyone in our community, not just developers or special interest groups.
Let’s build a downtown where businesses boom, and where residents and our visitors are excited to explore.