There’s a quiet transformation happening in the heart of Airdrie.
It’s not loud, nor flashy. It’s steady, intentional and built on relationships and community pride.
Over the past year and a half, I’ve had the privilege of working for the City of Airdrie on downtown revitalization. I’ve worked alongside passionate colleagues and business owners who care deeply about this place and its future. Their commitment is what makes this work so meaningful.
I grew up in the suburbs of Toronto, where the pace was fast and the city never stopped moving. But it wasn’t until I moved to northern Ontario and began working in economic development that I discovered something important:
I’m not drawn to the biggest cities. I’m drawn to the ones with heart.
The places that are big enough to dream boldly, yet small enough to build real relationships. Where business owners remember your name. Where you can help shape a place that’s still writing its story.
That’s exactly what’s happening in downtown Airdrie. And we’re all part of it.
Business owners are investing in their spaces and in each other. Residents are showing up for events, supporting local and rediscovering the heart of their city. And City Council and staff are laying the foundation for long-term revitalization through thoughtful planning and collaboration.
The Downtown Incentive Program is one example of this. In 2024, it supported 21 projects with nearly $480,000 in funding, unlocking more than $1.5 million in private investment. From refreshed storefronts and patios to lighting and events, these improvements are making downtown more walkable, welcoming and uniquely Airdrie. The program returned in 2025, and interest is already building.
And downtown businesses aren’t just benefiting from revitalization. They’re helping lead it. Through events, mixers and roundtable discussions, there is momentum for supporting each other and interest growing in forming a downtown business organization. There’s a shared sense of pride and purpose that’s hard to ignore.
Events are also playing a critical role. From Cocoa Trail and Canada Day to summer markets and Mighty Machines, downtown has become a stage for community connection. These events aren’t just fun — they have an important purpose. They bring people to the core, support local shops and restaurants, and build momentum. This year, airdrieFEST will share the spotlight with the new Main Street Music Festival, hosted by Main Street Beer & BBQ. Another example of how local businesses are shaping the downtown experience.
Then there’s Inspire, Airdrie’s new multi-use facility and library. Inspire is more than a building; it is a cultural anchor and a gateway to downtown. As the Airdrie Public Library prepares to move in, it’s also building partnerships with local businesses and community groups to extend its impact beyond its walls.
As I reflect on the past year and a half, I’m reminded that I’ve always been drawn to places where connections matter, which is probably why Toronto never felt quite right.
Whether it’s a spirited game of ultimate frisbee or navigating mountain bike trails with friends, it’s never just about the activity. It’s about the people, the sense of belonging and the heart behind it all.
That same feeling lives in downtown Airdrie. It’s in the conversations, the collaborations and the shared desire to be part of something meaningful.
Visit airdrie.ca/downtown to see how we’re doing downtown differently — and maybe, like me, you’ll find your place in the story we’re writing together.
Lauren Levay is an economic development officer with the City of Airdrie.
