More than 30 per cent of Airdrie residents are school-aged or will be going into school within the next five years, according to the 2010 Airdrie Census.
About 21 per cent of residents are between the ages of five and 19 and 9.5 per cent are four or younger. This underscores the desperate need for more schools in the community, according to the City.
“The Province has their work cut out for them,” said Kent Rupert, City of Airdrie economic development team leader.
“Lots of communities are growing but these numbers show that no other community has the same demographics. Other small communities are seeing people who are retiring off of farms moving there, but there are a huge number of young families moving to Airdrie and they really need to look at that.”
The optimal utilization rate for schools is 85 per cent, according to Alberta Education. In Airdrie, every school will be over 100 per cent capacity before the end of 2011. No new school has been approved for Airdrie since 2003 and more than 30 per cent of K-8 students in the division are educated in portable classrooms.
“There should be no other school built in Alberta unless it’s built in Airdrie,” said Airdrie-Chestermere MLA Rob Anderson.
“The Province keeps saying they understand, but we are not seeing action. Residents of Airdrie need to keep the pressure up, keep writing in to their minister until multiple schools are built in Airdrie.”
According to the Census, just over 18 per cent, or 7,112 residents, are between the ages of 25 and 34. Nine-and-a-half per cent, or 3,604 residents, are four years old or younger.
Tara Antosh and her husband Derek, both 27, moved to Airdrie in 2006 as a temporary arrangement until they could afford a home in Calgary. The couple loved the city so much, they decided to stay and raise their family, starting with seven-month-old Bethany.
“We just realized how great the community was for a family and we knew we couldn’t leave,” said Antosh.
“I haven’t experienced it yet but we are concerned about the school situation. I would say that is our only concern about Airdrie. We want there to be enough room for all the kids to have an enjoyable experience and not be crammed into classrooms with 40 kids.”
Nikki Downton moved to Airdrie with her family last July and she said although the schools are full, the education is better than in Calgary.
“Even though the schools are crowded, I still see an improvement over the Calgary Board of Education,” she said of the schooling her 11-year-old daughter Belle receives at Muriel Clayton Middle.
“Calgary teachers seem so complacent and even though Airdrie teachers are stressed because of the shortage situation, they seem to care more and put more effort into teaching.”
Downton is so impressed with the other services the city offers such as the Boys and Girls Club, Genesis Place and outdoor activity options like playgrounds, pathways and skating rinks, she and her husband J are eager raise their next little one, due in May, in Airdrie as well.
“Young families are attracted to Airdrie because of these amenities,” said Rupert.
“We are seeing more industry and businesses expand and we are looking at two more ice rinks and even more regional parks. As the community grows, the infrastructure needs to grow with it. But despite our growth, we are a safe and friendly place to live. People know who their neighbours are and we want that to continue.”
Expectant mother Robyn Land moved to Airdrie from Calgary in 2007 with her husband and she said that friendly atmosphere is what made her want to raise her family here.
“In all the years I lived in Calgary, I didn’t know who my neighbours were and in Airdrie, I met them almost as soon as I moved in,” said Land.
“Airdrie has a small-town feel where everyone is so much more friendly. It’s a better place to raise your children - safer, more affordable and it has everything you need.”
Only 5.2 per cent of the Airdrie’s population is 65 years old or older. Airdrie’s total population in the Census is listed as 39,822. The 2010 Census predicts Airdrie’s population will be 47,081 by 2013 and will skyrocket to 71,084 by 2028.
