City of Airdrie's growth rate slows considerably

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The City of Airdrie grew by 2,556 new residents last year to a total population of 45,711 as of April 1.

The new numbers represent a 5.92 per cent growth rate.

The city’s growth was somewhat slowed from last year’s 8.37 per cent rate, an average of 3,333 new people over the 2010 numbers.

“This growth rate gives us some breathing room,” said Mayor Peter Brown. “Opportunities and challenges come with a steady growth rate, for example, our new fire stations and the police building were built to serve a larger future community so a manageable growth rate is good news.”

In 2012, 1,097 new homes were built in Airdrie, an increase of 6.82 per cent for a total of 17,174 single-family and multi-family dwelling units. Windsong, Williamstown and King’s Heights experienced the greatest growth at 555, 335, and 304 new people, respectively.

The Canals neighbourhood was the only one in the city to decrease in population, by 70 people.

Airdrie gained 669 people through its recent annexation of more than 12,000 acres of Rocky View County, the number represents 1.55 per cent of the city’s overall population growth.

Two-hundred-and-sixty-seven new houses were added to Airdrie’s total through the annexation.

There are 1,624 bare land, under construction or uninhabitable properties in Airdrie.

Fifty-four per cent of residents completed the census online in 2012, a decrease from last year’s 59 per cent.

“The City of Airdrie is thrilled with the commitment from our enumerators and the response from Airdrie residents both online and at the door,” said Sharon Pollyck, manager of legislative services and corporate communications.

“Their participation in the 2012 census helped ensure the City achieved a complete and accurate number.”

The census cost the City $33,000. Airdrie earned $667,116 of potential additional grant revenue by doing the census.

Complete census findings will be posted online at www.airdrie.ca this fall.