Airdrie is one of the most transparent cities in Canada according to a study by the Frontier Centre for Public Policy.
The Local Government Performance Index (LGPI) examines local government spending and performance indicators such as firefighting budgets, infrastructure construction, transit service and recreational activities.
Airdrie scored 27 out of 30 in the Municipality Transparency Index for High Performance Government. Only Kelowna and Port Coquitlam, BC, rated higher with 28 each. Maple Ridge, BC, and Markham, ON, rated 27 as well. St. John, NB, rated the lowest with only one point and East Hants and Halifax, NS, were given eight and nine points respectively.
Airdrie Mayor Peter Brown said transparency in municipal government is paramount.
“It keeps the residents informed and promotes trust and accountability,” he said.
“We are proud of the City of Airdrie’s transparency. We are not only leading the way in Alberta but in Canada as well.”
The purpose of the study was to highlight the importance of local government transparency, said David Seymour, Frontier Centre senior policy analyst.
“The reason local governments matter so much is that it’s big business, but it’s also the only game in town for its residents,” he said.
Finishing in the top five across Canada is a major accomplishment, said Jana Jaeger, director of corporate services for the City of Airdrie.
“I think this is terrific news for us because the Centre is an independent body,” she said. “It is good feedback to have someone look into our info and tell us what they think.”
Jaeger said transparency is incredibly important in any municipality.
“At any time when you are dealing with public funds, you need to make sure we are managing the money well,” she said.
“With this rating and criteria, we will take a look at what it means and continue to improve.”
