The City of Airdrie, whether at City Hall, the Parks Department building, Bert Church Theatre, or other City-run facilities, is proud of their dedication to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
They are always working towards having a workforce that is representative of the community in which we live, supporting local culture and laying the foundation for future growth – and it shows.
Of the City’s approximately 750 employees, nearly half (49.5 per cent) identify as female and just over half (52.46 per cent) of employees in leadership positions are women.
Airdrielife caught up with a trio of these ladies who work behind the scenes at the City of Airdrie to get to know them a little better and find out more about what they do.
Name: Ysabel Lavendel
Title: Equipment Operator
When did you start at the City of Airdrie: January 2014
What does that title mean to you? Serving this city by making the roads safe. Filling and patching potholes, putting grit/salt down in the winter months, sweeping the grit/dirt in the spring/summer months, filling cracks and picking up garbage.
How do you serve the city of Airdrie residents? I bring a positive attitude to work every day. I push myself to do the jobs to the best of my ability so at the end of the day I can go home knowing I have made a difference.
What is the most important aspect of your job? Work/life balance. Having two children, I find it very important the City promotes work/life balance.
What is one thing you think everyone should know about your department? Our winter shift runs from mid-October to the beginning of April; it is seven days or nights on and then seven off. There are four crews of six people on each crew. Our summer schedule is four days a week, and all together there are 18 of us to run all of the summer programs.
What is your favourite thing to do in Airdrie? I really enjoy visiting all the cute, little shops and boutiques around the city, as well as supporting local restaurants. I also enjoy the street festivals, the Airdrie Farmers Market, parades and the Festival of Lights.
Anything else you’d like to add? I’ve been with the City for nine years. I am the only woman equipment operator in the Roads Department and the first female to operate a street sweeper and snow blower in Airdrie.
Name: Kendall Bampton
Title: Parks Development technician
When did you start at the City of Airdrie: Originally, I started November of 2007 with the Parks Department, and was an area crew lead, and then became the Urban Forestry Technician until July 2009 when I moved to Edmonton for love! That turned into a marriage, two boys, and then a move back to Airdrie. I started back with the Parks Department in October 2018, again as an area crew lead, then Urban Forest crew lead, then Horticulture Crew lead for a season, and then September of last year I became the Parks Development Technician.
What does that title mean to you? To me, this title is a shift from what I am used to – maintaining our parks and assets – to now working with Planning and Development, getting to oversee new parks and greenspaces from concept, to plan view, through construction to completion.
How do you serve the city of Airdrie residents? In my previous operational roles, I was part of the front-line field staff that is always out there in the community. I was changing garbage, pruning trees and shrubs, planting flowers to beautify our city and for residents to enjoy and plowing sidewalks to making ice in the winter. Now, with my new role, I get to be part of ensuring the new developments within the communities are up to Parks standards and that they will provide Airdrie residents with sport and leisure opportunities, as well as ensuring continued connectivity through our wonderful path systems.
What is the most important aspect of your job? Review development plans from a Parks perspective, as well as carrying out site inspections during construction. We are involved from irrigation installation, to tree planting.– We want to ensure we will be able to maintain the amenities and greenspace, once the City takes it over from the developer.
What is one thing you think everyone should know about your department? I’m part of the Parks Department, and we are a team of just under 30 hardworking people. We are a relatively small department for the number of things we look after but, individually or as a team, we come together to get things done, and make our city look great.
What is your favourite thing to do in Airdrie? I like to support local as much as possible, if I don’t have to leave Airdrie that is a bonus! The Airdrie Farmer’s Market is very popular in my house and we live within walking distance, so its nice to pick up some local goods and hit up a food truck or two and have the night off from cooking supper!
Name: Beverly Stadelmann
When did you start at the City of Airdrie: March 15, 2015
Title: Performing Arts Coordinator
What does that title mean to you? I consider this position to be an advocate for the fair and equitable access to the arts which is an integral part of the human experience. Performing Art is such a communal activity that promotes connectivity, diversity and inclusion.
How do you serve the city of Airdrie residents? I curate the presented series with Airdrie in mind, in hopes of bringing shows that people will enjoy, but also connect to because they see themselves on stage. I cultivate community partnerships to grow art holistically throughout the city and create opportunities for audience members and creators alike.
What is the most important aspect of your job? I believe everyone deserves to express themselves and feel connected to others while experiencing art. I consider myself a facilitator of these opportunities and enjoy being witness to the energy that exists between creators, audience members and citizens.
What is one thing you think everyone should know about your department? We are a team of passionate arts supporters, educators and professionals who are invested in seeing arts and culture continue to grow in our facility and our city.
What is your favourite thing to do in Airdrie? Eat Ramen at Mio Stone Grill & Sushi!
Anything else you’d like to add? Visit BCLT.CA to see what is happening at the theatre today.
