For those who attended the Jan. 21 City of Airdrie council meeting, the parade of speakers in support of a family seeking redistricting on their property seemed endless. But it was enough to sway council to go against the City Plan and approve the request. While we don’t argue a need for residents to be able to age in place, neither did administration in its recommendation to refuse the application. In fact, City staff proposed alternative solutions that were permitted within the existing land use district and would not require a subdivision. These alternatives did not work for the applicants – they wanted to subdivide to allow the sale of the newly-split parcel to another family member. This decision sets a precedent that in order to obtain council approval, all applicants need to do is provide an emotional appeal and have everyone they know speak on their behalf. An applicant's popularity should have no bearing on an application that is inconsistent with City statutory plans. Many in attendance, including councillors, suggested subdividing the property wouldn’t have a significant impact, because growth planning for that area is decades away. However, is it not the responsibility of administration and council to plan ahead? When future growth occurs, which Airdrie has proven it will, plans must be in place to support the community and the people in it. This approval is great for one family, but could have long-term implications for everyone else.
