The Airdrie Water Tower Site reclamation project and installation of interpretive signage is set to be completed in 2024.
With a $60,000 budget approved in 2023, $30,000 will be used for reclamation work including the removal of the cement pad, hauling and disposal of materials, grading, site preparation and fencing.
Of the budget, $15,000 will be used for enhanced interpretive signage that educates the public on the historical significance of the Airdrie Water Tower, the Stevenson Stopping House and Airdrie’s first RCMP detachment site.
The remaining $15,000 will be used for additional landscaping and to ensure the site is left in safe condition, proper drainage, and leveling to ensure the site looks aesthetically pleasing as the park’s plan is being developed.
The City of Airdrie stated the result of this reclamation work and installation of interpretive signage will ensure the site is inviting and aligns with the intent of designating the water tower as a historic resource.
Coun. Ron Chapman asked about a time capsule buried at the site and whether any of the work would disturb it.
Jennifer Lutz, Airdrie’s culture and heritage team leader, said the time capsule was buried 50 years ago with the intent of opening it in 100 years from then. The City is aware of its location and will keep it in mind during the reclamation project.
With respect to illumination, administration explored various options, however, none of the options for permanent illumination were feasible due to the lot dimensions and inability to mount hardware directly on the Tower structure.
As well, at a cost of $130,000, a lighting expert indicated that to uplight the water tower, four poles mounted on the ground and angled to point towards the sphere would be required. The Airdrie logo on the watersphere may still not be visible and may not achieve the desired effects, according to the City, and could add light pollution impacting surrounding neighbors.
The 1959 Airdrie Water Tower Site was designated Municipal Historic Resource in 2022 and a restoration project for the tower structure was completed in August 2023.
The City completed the removal of dead trees, a covered shelter, and fencing to ensure the site was left in a safe condition.
To support the historic value of this municipal asset, Council approved $60,000 in the 2023 budget for site design, reclamation, exploring options to illuminate the tower, enhanced landscaping, and interpretive signage.
In response to the initial site plan, the Community Services Advisory Board (CSAB) recommended the City develop the entire site into a small passive park for public use that includes accessibility and connectivity, heritage enhancements and simplified illumination.
Administration recommended the addition of parking in the south portion of the property. CSAB directed that to honour, protect, or showcase one of Airdrie’s premier historic assets, the focus should be creating a new park amenity for public use.
