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Building guidelines adopted

City council unanimously adopted a set of sustainable building guidelines for future civic facilities, Aug. 16. “I’m certainly appreciative of having this done before this term wraps up,” said Ald. Shawn Howard.

City council unanimously adopted a set of sustainable building guidelines for future civic facilities, Aug. 16.

“I’m certainly appreciative of having this done before this term wraps up,” said Ald. Shawn Howard. “This community has strong environmental ethic to it.”

The guidelines, which were drafted in the beginning of early 2009 will be used on a case-by-case basis for new buildings. The City estimates there will be nine new major civic buildings constructed by 2019 in Airdrie.

The City will adopt Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), which includes three levels — silver, gold and platinum. Rob McLean, corporate properties spokesperson, says the City should aim for silver.

“What we have tried to emphasize are approaches that are consistent, meaningful and measurable,” said McLean. “This document represents a reasonable approach to sustainable building.”

“This is something I thought would work really well,” said Glenda Alexander, deputy mayor of Airdrie.

The building standards aren’t mandatory or too stringent, said McLean.

“One of the attributes that makes us, as a city, successful, is our ability to be flexible and work within a common goal,” he said.

New buildings should emphasize preserving and recycling rain and grey water and minimize the use of potable water in the building and ground, according to the new guidelines.

Using durable and recycled building materials along with natural lighting and ventilation are also encouraged.

New fire halls in Chinook Winds and Stonegate will use LEED-style measures including solar panels, water conservation, natural lighting and ventilation.

“The reaction has been positive. We haven’t had anyone who said this is a bad thing,” said McLean.

City council approved amendments to three bylaws for a west Airdrie development in Bayside and Baysprings.

The 20.3 acre area is owned by Airdrie Koinonia Christian School Society and will be turned into a housing subdivision.

About 88 single family residential units and 45 attached residential units will be constructed with 16.3 units for every 2.5 acres. The land will incorporate 2.3 acres of open spaces and environmental reserve.

Council approved a bylaw amendment to re-designate a space in King’s Heights. The 5.34-acre parcel will be changed from Industrial Business Park One District (IB-1) to Direct Control 35, allowing the applicant to add retail sales to the space.

City council unanimously agreed to support the Airdrie Edge Club in its bid to host the 2011 Canada Cup for trampoline and tumbling.

The event will take place in July, 2011.


Airdrie Today Staff

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