In a split vote, council denied a funding request by the Airdrie Air Show Society (AASS) to support its bi-annual air show held July 12 to 14. The application presented to council June 5, requested about $47,000 to cover the cost of road closures and provide emergency services for the three-day event.
AASS is a non-profit organization that donates the profits from ticket sales to community organizations in Airdrie. The City of Airdrie will provide a portion of the required emergency equipment and staff but requested Rocky View County for additional support.
Administration estimated the cost of allocating three pieces of the County’s fire and policing equipment to the event at about $31,000, and overtime salaries for the staff to operate the equipment and to be on hand at the event at about $15,700. AASS also proposed closing three junctions near the Airdrie Air Park, at a cost of $400, to make sure people attending the event park in the designated lots.
Despite the motion being voted down Reeve Rolly Ashdown was in favour of providing the support.
“If there was a problem, we’d be there anyhow so I don’t really understand what the problem is. This is a good thing for the area and for the region and for the neighbours that we’re working with,” said Ashdown.
Councillor Kim Magnuson, Lois Habberfield, Al Sacuta and Deputy Reeve Paul McLean were opposed to the application. They expressed concerns about the risk of allocating County equipment to the event in case something happened in its intended coverage area.
Council said AASS was encouraged to submit an alternate funding proposal.
Councillor Liz Breakey was absent.
