1. It’s been one year since you were elected. What has been your biggest revelation about serving Airdrie?
I wouldn’t say it’s a surprise, but the more people I get to meet and work with, the prouder I am of our community. People truly care, and I’m constantly in awe of the kindness, generosity and talent we have here in Airdrie.
We have people leading global businesses, people working to make a difference across our community, and people who simply want to make their street a better place to be. Every single one of them matters. Getting to know the people behind those contributions has deepened my appreciation for what makes Airdrie such an incredible place to call home.
2. What do you see as your biggest success to date?
Two things stand out: the major healthcare announcement and the progress we’ve made on our next recreation facility.
The first phase of the Airdrie Covenant Health Centre will cover approximately 95% of the services Airdronians currently travel to Calgary for. That’s an enormous step forward for families in our community. This is public healthcare, serving the same people AHS has always served. I’m proud of our advocacy, and I want to recognize the Airdrie Health Foundation for the years of work that helped get us here.
We’ve also made big moves to push the recreation facility forward, with a construction approach that will deliver significant savings. We need more recreation space, and the decisions we make now will affect both what residents can access and what they’ll ultimately pay. Getting that project moving while finding savings is something I’m really proud of.
3. What do you feel is your biggest challenge moving into the next year?
Affordability. Airdrie needs infrastructure, and this council is working extremely hard to catch up. We’re making the moves to get there, but with more than $1 billion in capital costs expected over the next ten years, it’s going to be expensive.
We’re pursuing provincial and federal funding to help cover those costs because we know life isn’t getting more affordable for residents. When gas, insurance and materials cost more for a household, they cost more for the City too. We also have to serve a growing population.
Our budget has to account for both growth and inflation. Holding property taxes flat would require significant, deep cuts to services and maintenance. Delaying projects also has consequences: the need doesn’t disappear, and construction can cost more later.
The challenge is getting Airdrie caught up while keeping the impact on household budgets as manageable as possible. That means pursuing funding, finding efficiencies and being honest with residents about the costs and the choices ahead.