The City of Airdrie recorded $265 million in total construction value in 2011, up $20 million from 2010.
“It was a strong year for construction growth in Airdrie with the commercial and industrial sector experiencing its strongest year in the last four,” said Kevin Slemko, the City’s building inspections team leader.
“The residential housing market growth continued to be robust with permit applications for six additional multifamily complexes, further diversifying Airdrie’s housing mix.”
Commercial and industrial construction permit values totalled $71.9 million, up $15 million from 2010. The number of residential permits was 1,070, an increase of 77 units over the previous year.
“It’s just fantastic to see the confidence coming back in the market,” said Mayor Peter Brown. “Things are really picking up although we have not seen a significant slow down. It’s because of Airdrie and what is offered in Airdrie. We have so much to offer. It is the best place to live in southern Alberta.”
Residential construction values remained consistent with $187 million in 2011 and $188 million in 2010. Some of the largest construction projects recorded in 2011 were:
• Genesis Place phase three - $16.1 million
• Cam Clark Ford dealership - $13.4 million
• Pointe of View multifamily (two buildings, 100 units) and commercial - $12 million
• Copperstone Village (97 units) and commercial - $9.9 million
• Highland Park industrial building (145,200 sq feett) - $9 million
• Williamstown Elementary School - $5.6 million
• Techmation Electric & Controls Ltd. office and shop - $5.2 million
• Home Hardware retail store - $4 million
• Sierra Springs strip mall (with ATB Financial) - $3.9 million
“It was another great year for Airdrie business,” said Kent Rupert, economic development team leader.
“From the expansion of existing businesses to new strips malls to construction of a large-scale industrial building, the market reflected there is still a lot of confidence in the Airdrie market.”
Business growth continued, with an average of 27 new Airdrie-based businesses licenses issued each month. Total business licences issued in 2011 were 2,695, up 131 from the year before.
Brown said the City has done an exceptional job looking toward the future.
“Ultimately, what we want in the community is for this to be a place to live, work and play,” he said.
“With growth comes opportunity. Airdrie is going to be a force to be reckoned with.”
Business satisfaction in Airdrie is high, with 89 per cent of businesses saying, “Airdrie is a good place to do business,” according to the 2011 City of Airdrie Business Satisfaction Survey.
