Airdrie’s rapid growth demands a forward-thinking approach to housing—one that balances development with affordability and sustainability. While continuing to build new communities is essential to keeping our housing market viable, we must get creative with alternatives to single-family developments. Young families, seniors, professionals, and students are struggling to find affordable housing, and we need to ensure Airdrie remains an accessible and attractive place to live.
As a realtor, I see firsthand the challenges that buyers and renters face in today’s market. Families are being priced out, seniors are struggling to find suitable housing, and supply is not keeping up with demand. I understand the factors that drive housing costs and the barriers that prevent new homes from being built efficiently. With this expertise, I will advocate for policies that make homeownership and rental options more attainable, ensuring that development in Airdrie serves the needs of the people—not just developers. Did you know that although Airdrie’s seniors' population is smaller compared to Calgary and Alberta, it’s growing rapidly? Without proper support, this could lead to a sharp rise in our core housing need. Right now, 15% of households headed by those over 65 are already in core housing need, and for those over 85, that number jumps to 23.4% — nearly 1 in 4 households. Some seniors are waiting YEARS to get into approriate housing currently, and these numbers will only exacorbate an already critical issue.
By working closely with developers and holding them accountable, we can integrate a mix of housing options—townhomes, multiplexes, secondary suites, and transit-oriented developments—that make sense for our city’s future. Airdrie’s recent agreement under the Housing Accelerator Fund is a strong step in the right direction. With over $24.8 million in funding and a plan to fast-track more than 900 homes in the next three years, we are making real progress in addressing our housing needs. But there is still more work to do.
Beyond housing, I also believe we need to re-evaluate the state of our city’s public buildings. Airdrie lacks community spaces compared to other cities of its size, and some of our existing facilities are aging rapidly. Maintaining outdated buildings at high costs to taxpayers is not a responsible long-term strategy. We need to assess whether these facilities should be upgraded, replaced, or reimagined to better serve our growing population.
My experience in real estate has given me a deep understanding of how communities grow and what makes neighbourhoods thrive. I know what families look for in a home, what young professionals need to stay and invest in a city, and how smart urban planning can create sustainable, livable spaces. Airdrie’s future depends on smart, sustainable planning. By considering higher-density housing, streamlining development processes, and investing in the right infrastructure, we can build a city that is not only affordable but also vibrant and resilient. I am committed to ensuring that growth benefits everyone—not just developers, but the families and individuals who call Airdrie home.