Airdrie, Canada

Airdrie is a city in Alberta, Canada, located just north of Calgary within the Calgary-Edmonton Corridor. It is part of Calgary's Census Metropolitan Area (1,037,100 in 2004) and a member community of the Calgary Regional Partnership (CRP), which has a population of about 1.1 million. Due to its close proximity to Calgary, Airdrie's population has been exploding in recent years. In 2004, Airdrie's population was 25,606, making it Calgary's largest politically distinct suburb. The city's population is expected to reach 27,000 in 2005.

Airdrie was first extablished as a railway village in 1889 during the construction of the Calgary and Edmonton Railway. Today, Airdrie is a scenic bedroom community and industrial centre. Its primary body of water is Nose Creek, which is the focal point of a number of city parks and green spaces including Nose Creek Park. The park hosts the annual Airdrie Festival of Lights every Christmas season. Other annual festivals include the Canada Day Parade and the Airdrie Pro Rodeo. Airdire's primary cultural venues include the Nose Creek Valley Museum and the Bert Church Theatre.

Airdrie is situated on the Queen Elizabeth II Highway (Alberta's busiest highway) which connects Calgary and Edmonton, thus making it a small transportation hub. Airdrie is also served by a small airport which does not provide regular scheduled flights. The closest major airport is Calgary International Airport.

Demographics

(according to Canada 2001 Census)

• Population: 20,382
• Growth rate (1996-2001): 27.8%
• Private Dwellings: 6,897
• Land Area: 21.48 sq. km.
• Density: 949.0 people per sq. km.
• Median Age: 31.9
• Median Income: $66,667

Racial Diversity

• Caucasian: 95.4%
• Aboriginal: 2.1%
• Other: 2.5%

Religion

• Protestant: 46.3%
• Catholic: 22.7%
• Other Christian: 3.9%
• Other Non-Christian: 1.7%
• No religion: 25.4%

The median age of the population is 31.9 years of age.

Mayor: Linda Bruce