The Bow River Basin Council is seeking the City’s help in its efforts to protect the Nose Creek watershed.
Erin McMahon of the BRBC presented information to city council on its efforts and how the City can assist.
The main point she stressed was ensuring collaborative processes between Nose Creek Watershed Partnership and other groups in order to get the best results for the creek.
“There’s going to be a lot of different land uses in the area,” she said.
She pointed to Williamstown in Airdrie’s northwest as a prime example of how to protect the area.
The neighbourhood features a 45-acre riparian area McMahon said is invaluable to the creek in times of flooding.
Sediment run-off has been a problem for Nose Creek, she said.
“During construction… there’s lots of sediment getting into the creek, which again is really detrimental to the creek,” she said.
McMahon encouraged council to understand exactly what its boundaries and responsibilities are with respect to the watershed.
“A lot of this responsibility comes back… to municipalities,” she said. “You have the control for things that are happening during the development process. The Nose Creek watershed is significant as far as the BRBC is concerned.”
The report was accepted for information.
City council agreed to endorse an application to host the 2014 Alberta Summer Games.
Community development team leader Lorri Laface spoke to council about the bid.
“Hosting such an event aligns with the city’s vision of Airdrie as a vibrant, caring community rich in urban amenities and opportunities for everyone valuing a healthy, sustainable environment connecting people and places,” she said.
The recently organized 2014 Summer Games bid committee is largely comprised of individuals who helped with Airdrie’s bid for the 2015 Western Canada Summer Games, including former mayor Linda Bruce and Airdrie and District Tennis Association president Chris Simnett.
Former Airdrie mayor Dan Oniel is spearheading the committee.
The Alberta Summer Games have never been held in Airdrie, although they did come to two neighbouring municipalities: Calgary in 1974 and Mountainview County in 1983. If Airdrie hosted the event, it would receive $420,000 in grants from Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks & Wildlife.
The bid committee will now draft a letter signifying its intent to apply to host more than 3,000 athletes, coaches and officials in three years.
Council approved changes to the Airdrie Elite Athlete Recognition policy, Sept. 19.
On June 23, City council recognized four local athletes at a ceremony in Genesis Place. However, a fifth athlete was to be recognized, but wasn’t.
That fifth athlete, who has not been named by the City, did not meet the selection criteria. The policy required athletes to live in Airdrie for the previous three years in order to be recognized.
Council unanimously voted to amend the policy.
Now, in lieu of living in Airdrie for the last three years, an athlete can qualify if they are a demonstrated ambassador of sports in the city, they’ve contributed to the betterment of sport in the city and they have benefited from living and training in Airdrie.
Council was asked to once again provide support to the Airdrie Food Bank’s sixth annual Empty Bowls Festival at Nose Creek Park, June 23, 2012.
Council members quickly agreed and now the food bank will submit a formal letter seeking grant money from the Building Community Through Arts and Heritage grant from the provincial government.
Empty Bowls has received between $8,700 and $11,000 each year from the grant.
