Airdrie Business Investment Profile

Business Opportunities Environmental Industries New Investment Now Sustainable Community Tax Advantage Progressive
Entrepreneurial Spirit Location Location Location Airdrie Now Professional Services Connections Advanced Manufacturing
Technology Competitive Costs Transportation + Logistics Talented Labour Force Retail Attraction & Development Population
Growth City Building Initiatives www.airdrienow.ca Business Opportunities Environmental Industries New Investment Now
Sustainable Community Tax Advantage Progressive Entrepreneurial Spirit Location Location Location Airdrie Now Professiona
Services Connections Advanced Manufacturing Technology Competitive Costs Transportation + Logistics Talented Labour Force
Retail Attraction & Development Population Growth City Building Initiatives www.airdrienow.ca Business Opportu
nities Environmental Industries New Investment Now Sustainable Community Tax Advantage Progressive Entrepreneurial Spiri
Location Location Location Airdrie Now Professional Services Connections Advanced Manufacturing Technology Competitive
Costs Transportation + Logistics Talented Labour Force Retail Attraction & Development Population Growth City Building
Initiatives www.airdrienow.ca Business Opportunities Environmental Industries New Investment Now Sustainable Community
Tax Advantage Progressive Entrepreneurial Spirit Location Location Location Airdrie Now Professional Services Connection
Advanced Manufacturing Technology Competitive Costs Transportation + Logistics Talented Labour Force Retail Attraction &
Development Population Growth City Building Initiatives www.airdrienow.ca Business Opportunities Environmental Industrie
Business
New Investment Now Sustainable Community Tax Advantage Progressive Entrepreneurial Spirit Location Location Location
Airdrie Now Professional Services Connections Advanced Manufacturing Technology Competitive Costs Transportation + Lo
gistics Talented Labour Force Retail Attraction & Development Population Growth City Building Initiatives www.airdrienow
ca Business Opportunities Environmental Industries New Investment Now Sustainable Community Tax Advantage Progressive
Growth City Building Initiatives Business Opportunities Environmental Industries New Investment Now Sustainable Commu
nity Tax Advantage www.airdrienow.ca Progressive Entrepreneurial Spirit Location Location Location Airdrie Now
Professional Services Connections Advanced Manufacturing Technology Competitive Costs Transportation + Logistics Talented
Labour Force Retail Attraction & Development Population Growth City Building Initiatives www.airdrienow.ca Business Op
Business
portunities Environmental Industries New Investment Now Sustainable Community Tax Advantage Progressive Entrepreneur
ial Spirit Location Location Location Airdrie Now Professional Services Connections Advanced Manufacturing Technology
Competitive Costs Transportation + Logistics Talented Labour Force Retail Attraction & Development Population Growth City
Building Initiatives www.airdrienow.ca Business Opportunities Environmental Industries New Investment Now Sustainable
s Business
Community Tax Advantage Progressive Entrepreneurial Spirit Location Location Location Airdrie Now Professional Service
Connections Advanced Manufacturing Technology Competitive Costs Transportation + Logistics Talented Labour Force Reta
Attraction & Development Population Growth City Building Initiatives www.airdrienow.ca Business Opportunitie
Environmental Industries New Investment Now Sustainable Community Tax Advantage Progressive Entrepreneurial Spiri
Costs Transportation + Logistics Talented Labour Force Retail Attraction & Development Population Growth City Building Ini
tiatives www.airdrienow.ca

Business Investment Profile

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Inside: Airdrie Now!
Location, Location, Location Thriving Regional Hub
n On the Calgary-Edmonton Corridor n Local trading area of 70,000
n 15 minutes to Calgary International n Access to the 1.2 million Calgary consumer
Airport and 30 minutes to downtown marketplace
Calgary
Strong Municipal Leadership
n 24-hour delivery time to major world
n Investing millions in infrastructure and
markets
amenities to support growth
Growing & Youthful Population n Focused on sustainable development
n One of the fastest growing cities in
Canada (2008 population: 34,000) People & Talent
n Strong entrepreneurial spirit
n 7.5% average annual growth over
the last five years n Educated and skilled labour force, with
household income above the provincial
Major Tax Advantage average
n No local business tax
Superior Quality of Life
n One of the lowest property tax rates
n 96% of residents say Airdrie has a high quality
in Alberta
of life
Available Land Supply Targeted Business Growth
n Three new serviced business parks
n Four key sectors: Transportation & Logistics,
n Exciting downtown development Professional Services, Advanced Manufac-
opportunities turing and Environmental Industries

Now’s the time
to be in Airdrie
A dynamic and welcoming city, Airdrie offers virtually limitless
opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses of all sizes.
Situated just north of Calgary in picturesque Southern Alberta,
Airdrie’s location offers a distinct financial advantage to businesses
and residents, with low tax rates and a booming regional economy.

Airdrie is a vital centre within the Calgary Region, and we recognize
the importance of investing in infrastructure improvements and
innovative ideas to create a city that’s sustainable in every sense:
economically, environmentally, and socially.

On behalf of our City, you’re invited to learn
about Airdrie NOW!

“Airdrie’s success is about the people Linda Bruce
and entrepreneurs that have come for Mayor, City of Airdrie
the location and stayed for the lifestyle
the city offers.”
Mayor Linda Bruce

Business Investment Profile 01

Just the facts NOW

Population Growth Means More properties are more competitive than Calgary and other,
Opportunities similar-sized regional communities. Additionally, Airdrie
businesses can benefit from the savings of no provincial
One of Canada’s fastest-growing communities, an sales tax, no capital or payroll taxes, and no machinery
average of seven people per day make the move to call and equipment taxes.
Airdrie home. Our population has doubled in the last
10 years, with the majority of residents in the 25–44 age NOW is the time to save money in Airdrie!
group. The youthfulness of our population is reflected
in our community spirit and progressive approach to The Smart Choice for
growing and developing our community. Small Business & Entrepreneurs
NOW is the time to move to Airdrie. The entrepreneurial spirit is thriving in Airdrie. The
competitive economic environment and superb quality
Airdrie’s Tax Advantage of life our city offers has resulted in a 12% annual increase
Means Business in business licenses. Every new venture is supported with
community services, resources and associations to help
Airdrie boasts one of the lowest municipal tax rates ensure your success.
of Alberta cities, offering businesses and residents great
value for their tax dollars. Even with the challenges faced Airdrie’s vibrant and diverse business community includes
by explosive growth, Airdrie provides high-quality services manufacturing, professional service firms, transporta-
to businesses and residents, ensuring a wise investment tion and logistics operations, as well as a growing service
of tax dollars. economy.

Alberta is well-known for its low tax rates, and Airdrie NOW is the time to start a new business
is no exception. We have no municipal business tax, and in Airdrie.
Airdrie’s local tax rates for industrial and commercial

02 www.airdrienow.ca

Airdrie: A Wise Investment The Home Depot, Canadian Tire, and the Real Canadian
Superstore are just a sample of key retailers in Airdrie.
Interest and investment in Airdrie continues to increase.
Last year alone, $428 million was invested in new develop- NOW is the time to invest in a growing market.
ment including a 260,000 square foot Costco Regional
Distribution Centre, a $6.5 million hotel, and more than The Calgary-Edmonton Corridor:
$15 million in industrial warehouse space. Residential Canada’s Western Tiger
development remains the leading source of our city’s
growth, and will continue with a new 300-acre residential Airdrie’s location along Alberta’s busiest artery, the
development by Ontario-based Mattamy Homes. Queen Elizabeth II Highway, is a major consideration
for businesses and industries. As one of Canada’s fastest-
NOW is the time to invest in one of Canada’s growing regions, the Calgary-Edmonton Corridor is the
most progressive cities. most urbanized and heavily populated area in Alberta.
This corridor continues to take advantage of Alberta’s
A Hub of Activity growing energy sector and records some of the strongest
economic gains in all of North America.
With a regional market of 1.2 million people and a local
trade area of 70,000, Airdrie is an important hub for NOW is the time to connect to the Corridor
commercial and service operations, and is closely tied in Airdrie!
to the Calgary Region marketplace. The Brick, Wal-Mart,


Why Airdrie NOW!
It’s Our Location
As the southern gateway to the Calgary-Edmonton Corridor, Airdrie businesses have 24-hour
delivery time access to a market of 50 million people in Western Canada and the US Pacific
Northwest. Shipments reach most major US cities by air in less than four hours, and less than
two days by truck. Airdrie’s proximity to the Pacific Rim through the Ports of Vancouver and
Prince Rupert makes it ideal to reach international customers quickly and efficiently.

Airdrie: Distances to/from Major Markets (approximate)

City Distance Driving Time Direct Flight Time
Chicago 2,600 km 26 h 3 h 30 m
Dallas 3,200 km 30 h 3 h 30 m
Denver 1,700 km 17 h 2 h 30 m
Los Angeles 2,500 km 23 h 3h
Montreal 4,000 km 40 h 4h
New York City 3,900 km 39 h 4 h 30 m
Toronto 3,500 km 34 h 4h
Vancouver 990 km 11 h 1 h 15 m


It’s Our Connections
By Air linking Alberta to Mexico. In addition, access to the
Air connections to Canadian and international Trans-Canada Highway, the world’s longest national
destinations are made at nearby Calgary Inter- highway, is just 15 minutes away.
national Airport, just 15 minutes away. One of
Canada’s busiest airports handling more than Airdrie businesses and residents will benefit from
12.2 million passengers and 134,000 metric tons Calgary’s new Stoney Trail Ring Road, which will
of cargo annually, Calgary International Airport provide even faster access to the Trans-Canada High-
is a vital hub for domestic, trans-border and way and picturesque Rocky Mountain destinations.
international passengers and air cargo.
By Rail
By Highway Proximity to Canada’s two major railways,
Excellent road conditions in Alberta and fast- Canadian National and Canadian Pacific, provide
moving traffic make for exceptional highway travel. local businesses with access to rail shipping options,
The stretch on the Queen Elizabeth II between including intermodal auto and trainload facilities,
Calgary and Edmonton is one of the most heavily servicing every major city in North America.
used highways in Canada, with 55,000 vehicles a day
passing through Airdrie. NOW you can easily reach your customers
and international markets!
Airdrie provides quick access to the US border,
and is well-positioned on the CANAMEX Highway


Building our Future NOW!
The City of Airdrie is proactively planning and building our city to ensure the success and sustainability of our
community during continued population growth and business sector expansion.

Leading Environmental Sustainability construction, with more on the way. Several new
mixed-use and multi-family projects have added
2007 marked the beginning of enVision Airdrie, our City’s diversity to the housing mix.
initiative to develop a Sustainability Plan. This plan will
allow our community to reduce its ecological footprint To expand housing options for our residents, the City
and take a proactive approach to the social, cultural, of Airdrie has established the non-profit corporation,
economic and governance pillars of sustainability. We’re Airdrie Housing Ltd., to create and oversee affordable
proud to have been selected to work with The Natural housing strategies.
Step on this important community initiative.
A Healthy Community
We take our environment
seriously. Airdrie was one of The health of our community is important to us. Genesis
the first communities in Alberta Place, our flagship recreation and wellness centre, is
to implement a household undergoing a $28 million expansion. Amenities added
garbage limit, and we recently to the existing pool and fitness facility will include a multi-
launched the province’s first purpose indoor field, running track, gymnastics centre,
pilot project to recycle construc- and twin arenas in phase three. The facility will allow
tion waste. Plus, we’ve taken a lead in the Nose Creek Airdrie to host major recreation and community events
Watershed Partnership to ensure a healthy creek eco- including trade shows, conferences and sporting events.
system by actively improving water quality.
Further investment in Airdrie’s recreational facilities
Land Development Opportunities include Chinook Winds Regional Park. This 65-acre
playground will appeal to skateboarders, baseball players,
Need space for your growing business? We’ve got dog lovers, and families who will enjoy a spray park on
it! Land availability is one of our key advantages. We hot summer days.
recently annexed nearly 3,000 acres to support future
community growth, with half designated industrial or Moving Transportation Forward
commercial use. This includes three new business parks
that complement our existing industrial park. Plus, several Airdrie is committed to expanding transit options for
new commercial areas are under development, including our residents and businesses, and to reducing overall
prime opportunities in our dynamic downtown. vehicle dependency. We are the only municipality in
the region, aside from Calgary, to operate a bus service.
Expanding Our Housing Horizons Plus, we’re taking a lead role in the Calgary Regional
Partnership’s transportation project that aims to provide
The new home construction boom is alive and well greater regional transportation linkages, enhancing
in Airdrie, bringing the total number of dwellings to commuter transit options and reducing environmental
over 13,000. Three brand-new subdivisions are under impacts.


Life is Better in Airdrie Leading Regional Collaboration

Really, it is. In fact, 96% of residents in the last citizen’s Airdrie is playing a leadership role in the Calgary Regional
survey said the city offers a high quality of life. The same Partnership, a collaboration of 18 municipalities and one
study concluded that residents are happy with how the First Nation. The organization takes a proactive approach
City is managing its rapid growth. to solving the region’s growth, economic development
and planning issues through inter-municipal cooperation.
Airdrie offers safe, “neighbourly” neighbourhoods. We
have all the shopping and services you would expect in a
small city, plus amenities such as an 18-hole golf course,
live theatre and a multitude of volunteer and community Targeting Our Growth NOW!
groups.
We’re being proactive about our business growth.
All this, and we’re on the doorstep of world-class events, To ensure economic sustainability and long-term employ-
facilities and attractions in Calgary! Or, if it’s something ment for our residents, we’ve done our research and
a little quieter you’re looking for, a mountain getaway in are targeting these sectors:
the heart of the breathtaking Rocky Mountains is just an
hour away. n Advanced Manufacturing
n Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
n Transportation and Logistics
n Environmental Industries


Environmental Industries
Alberta’s environmental industries are at the forefront of There are currently 1,330 Alberta companies, employing
developing new environmental technologies, products and almost 26,000 people, developing solutions for climate
services. Driven by the need to reduce pollution, develop change and energy-efficiency, recycling and waste manage-
cleaner production processes and ensure the long-term ment, and remediation and water treatment. Together,
preservation of our environment, the province now they generate more than $3.5 billion in revenues annually.
boasts Canada’s third-largest concentration of environ-
mental companies.
Environmental Industries by Province Source: Industry Canada, 2004

“We have always been impressed with
the quality of the Airdrie workforce and
the high rate of staff retention we’ve
had over the years.”
Pat Cashion
President, Vitreous Glass Inc.


“Airdrie is perfectly
situated for a logistics-
based service provider.
In addition, a business
can certainly leverage
zero business tax, lower
rent and a captive work
force.”
Gary Powers
President
eCycle Solutions

eCycle Solutions, founded in 2005, operates one of
North America’s most technologically advanced secure electronics
recycling facilities. 99% of material arriving at eCycle is diverted
from the landfill. Being located in Airdrie has helped spur eCycle’s
incredibly fast growth, expanding from a handful of staff to more
than 50, and from a 13,000 square foot space to over 100,000
square feet in just a few years.

Why Choose Airdrie NOW!
Airdrie is encouraging high-calibre environmental indus- storage projects, a technology that can make a substantial
tries including green product manufacturers and services cut in greenhouse gas emissions.
to build a larger presence in the city. The recent growth
in environmental industries in Airdrie, including Vitreous Regionally, the City of Airdrie is working with the Calgary
Glass and eCycle Solutions, show the time is right to bring Regional Partnership on a number of exciting projects
your green business to our city. to bring creative solutions to issues like water and waste
water servicing, organic waste recovery and the Region’s
Provincial and Regional Initiatives transportation infrastructure. These projects demonstrate
Airdrie’s commitment to the environment and our desire
Alberta recognizes the importance of effective environ- to provide a well-managed and cost-effective climate for
mental management, and recently made the largest business investment and expansion.
single global commitment to advance carbon capture and

Vitreous Glass Inc. opened in Airdrie in 1995, Pat Cashion, President of Vitreous Glass Inc., says his
and annually collects 90,000 tonnes of post-consumer staff know they’re making an environmental change for
waste glass from Alberta, British Columbia, and the better.
Saskatchewan. The glass is cleaned, crushed, and sold to
three fibreglass insulation manufacturers who use it as a “We chose this community because of the accessibility
raw material in their production facilities. These Alberta- to both Calgary and Edmonton and its proximity to
based firms produce all of the fibreglass building insulation the Trans-Canada Highway,” says Cashion. “The City’s
made in Western Canada. administration is very well run, very accessible and
there is an obvious culture of efficiency and customer
Vitreous’ process results in their clients using less energy service.”
to reheat the waste glass compared to using conventional
raw materials, which ultimately reduces overall manufac-
turing costs.


Professional Services Industries
The City of Airdrie and the Calgary Region have seen a n Engineering
significant increase in the number of professional service n Information Technology & Management
firms due to Calgary’s emergence as Western Canada’s n Management Consulting
business centre. At last count, professional services con- n Health Care
tributed to the employment of more than 71,500 people, n Government Services
and injected $3.1 billion into the Region’s total GDP. n Accounting

Alberta’s thriving energy-related development plus Professionals from a wide range of services are in high
municipal and provincial infrastructure projects and demand, and professional service businesses are taking
private sector expansion continue to drive demand advantage of the opportunities that Airdrie has to offer.
for professionals with expertise in:

“The City’s mayor and senior
staff made us feel very
welcome in the community.
That was backed up by the
O Architecture level of effort that was put
into ensuring our timely
move to the community.”
Karl Smith
President and CEO
FortisAlberta

FortisAlberta is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fortis project management, contact centre and information
Inc., Canada’s largest investor-owned distribution utility. technology—making FortisAlberta one of Airdrie’s
The company owns and operates over 60% of Alberta’s largest employers.
distribution network, focusing on safe and reliable
delivery of electricity to 453,500 customers in 175 “The decision to move to Airdrie was an easy one,”
communities. says Karl Smith, President and CEO of FortisAlberta.
“It allowed us to get out of the volatile leasing market
In 2008, the company relocated the majority of its in Calgary and put us closer to our customers. Once we
operations from Calgary to a newly-constructed 84,000 got to know the community though, we were impressed
square foot building in Airdrie. with the quality of the local labour force and the ease
with which we have been able to attract and retain our
The new facility accommodates 300 office and field workforce.”
staff including jobs in engineering, procurement,


Alberta’s Professional Services Industries Source: Canadian Business Patterns Data, 2005

Sector Growth and Availability of Talent Competitive Costs

Airdrie is home to a growing number of professional Our competitive prices and low tax rates give Airdrie
service operations and home-based businesses. This a distinct advantage over other municipalities, and
sector’s growth is evidenced by the 35.1% increase represent significant cost savings for your business.
in professional service firms over a three-year period.
The Connections Your Business Needs
We offer an educated and talented labour force with
more than 1,100 people employed locally in engineering, Airdrie has the connections professional service firms
architecture and other professional services. need. In less than a half-hour, you can be on an airplane
to anywhere in the world, or doing business at down-
Real Estate Availability town Calgary head offices.

Airdrie’s commercial and industrial space continues to Alberta’s technological infrastructure ensures we’re
increase at a phenomenal rate, providing investors and open for business worldwide. The Alberta SuperNet
business owners with a range of real estate options, from broadband service links us to more than 12,000 km of
established buildings for lease to units for purchase in fibre optic and wireless technology, allowing you to work
our new business parks. anywhere in the world from your office in Airdrie.

Cutforth Technologists Limited began
its operations in 1972 expanding on the success of
Cutforth Drafting Services. Today, the firm provides
architectural drafting services for medium to large
scale commercial and industrial projects, as well
as custom residences, multi-family projects, small
building designs, space planning, church layouts, and
renovations projects. Over the years, the firm of six “While the digital revolution
employees has established a high standard of technical enables us to work from anywhere,
competence in the disciplines of architectural design Airdrie’s strategic location allows
and technology. While their location in Airdrie has us to provide quality service across
them well positioned and within reach of a large Southern Alberta.”
client base, it’s the Alberta lifestyle that President Rob Lavigne
Rob Lavigne really appreciates. President
Cutforth Technologists Limited


Advanced Manufacturing
Alberta’s positive business environment and the Airdrie Knows What Manufacturers
growing consumer market in the Calgary Region Need:
has strengthened the manufacturing sector and
contributed to a growing number of new business n No local business tax and the lowest overall
start-ups, and an increase in business investment. provincial taxes in Canada, including no sales
n Alberta is the third-largest manufacturing tax, general capital or payroll taxes
province in Canada, representing 10% n A provincial government committed to
of Alberta’s GDP enhancing business competitiveness
n 10,000 manufacturers of consumer and n A highly skilled, educated, and productive
industrial products are located in Alberta workforce
n One-third of Alberta’s 137,000 manufacturing n World-class infrastructure including
workforce is in the Calgary Region transportation, telecommunications and
n 10% of Airdrie’s population is employed post-secondary educational institutions
in manufacturing

Airdrie’s Manufacturing Diversity Source: Canadian Business Patterns Data, 2007

Non-Metallic Mineral Product Fabricated Metal Product
Manufacturing 9.0% Manufacturing 13.0%
Textile Product Mills 2.0% Machinery Manufacturing 17.0%
Petroleum and Coal Miscellaneous Manufacturing 11.0%
Products Manufacturing 2.0%
Chemical Manufacturing 2.0% Printing and Related Support
Activities 8.0%
Plastics and Rubber Products
Manufacturing 2.0% Wood Product Manufacturing 4.0%
Computer and Electronic Furniture and Related Product
Product Manufacturing 2.0% Manufacturing 11.0%
Transportation Equipment Food Manufacturing 11.0%
Manufacturing 2.0%
Electronic Equipment, Alliance and
Component Manufacturing 4.0%

“In our experience, the workforce is
reliable and motivated and we have
been able to attract a high quality
of worker to our operation.”
Derek Walker
Business Unit Leader
Condillo Foods Ltd.


Almost 10% of Airdrie’s labour force is employed in have access to a market of 50 million people in less
manufacturing. Our proximity to Calgary, the Queen than a day’s drive. Local manufacturers also benefit
Elizabeth II Highway and the Calgary International Airport from Canadian Pacific Railway’s intermodal facility,
enable local manufacturers easy access to their custom- which connects the Region to the US and the Ports
ers, as well as a growing consumer market to increase of Vancouver and Prince Rupert.
their sales and revenue.
Prestige Business Parks
Alberta enjoys manufacturing productivity that is the
highest in the country, and has one of the lowest union- Accommodating business growth and expansion in
ization rates in Canada. Manufacturing represents Airdrie has never been easier. Our four business parks
approximately 10% of Alberta’s GDP, the largest afford easy access to the Queen Elizabeth II Highway and
contributor of any sector. can accommodate a variety of operations.

Transportation Connections Competitive Cost Environment
Airdrie’s transportation connections are some of the best Competitive land and lease costs, no local business tax
in the country. Located on the CANAMEX Corridor, and low property taxes make Airdrie an affordable
near the Trans-Canada Highway, and in one of the fastest- alternative to other Alberta cities.
growing economic regions in Canada, Airdrie businesses

“We chose Airdrie because we
Kohler Composites of wanted that small town feel,
while still having the proximity
Alberta Inc. has more than 25 years to the highway and Calgary.”
in the aerospace composite manufacturing Klaus Kohler
business. From its operation in Airdrie, the President
company creates fibreglass drone air frames, Kohler Composites
as well as custom mouldings for the military. of Alberta Inc.
Kohler Composites specializes in building target
drones and U.A.V. airframes used in military
operations, and is one of only a handful of
companies in Canada that manufactures these
products.

Condillo Foods Ltd. is a subsidiary of Old Dutch considering a location in the US,” says Derek Walker
Foods Ltd., a major manufacturer of snack foods that of Condillo Foods. “What decided it for us was Airdrie’s
includes potato chips and corn chips. Its state-of-the-art proximity to the Trans-Canada and Highway 2.”
manufacturing processes and facilities are located across
Canada and the United States and include a production Today, the 130,000 square foot Airdrie operation
facility in Airdrie. employs approximately 120 workers and has one of
the most modern production lines in the industry.
Condillo has been an Airdrie mainstay for almost
30 years. “At the time we chose Airdrie, we were also


Transportation & Logistics
The Calgary Region has a well-developed, integrated n Access to the Trans-Canada, Queen Elizabeth II and
transportation and logistics infrastructure making it the CANAMEX Highways
premier choice in Western Canada. This includes:
n Close proximity to the Coutts/Sweetgrass
n An expanding international air cargo international border crossing
and passenger hub at Calgary International
n A critical mass of local transportation and
Airport
logistics companies that provide supply chain
n Rail, intermodal auto and trainload facilities and transportation management services
from both Canadian Pacific Railway and
n State-of-the-art telecommunications
Canadian National Railway serving every
infrastructure that contributes to cost-effective
major city in North America
and on time delivery to anywhere in the world

Airdrie’s Transportation and Warehousing Industries Source: Canadian Business Patterns Data, 2007

“Transportation access was key to our
selection of Airdrie. We will be loading
60-70 outbound trucks daily, so proximity
to the highway was essential.”
Max Lupton
Depot Manager, Airdrie
Costco Wholesale Corporation


Transportation and logistics firms that have capitalized on Airport, one of the fastest growing cargo airports in
Airdrie’s location include warehousing and storage firms, Canada. This provides a single hub location to receive,
trucking operations and support services for transpor- transfer, store, and distribute cargo domestically and
tation industries. internationally by air, rail and highway, making it possible
to reach worldwide destinations within 48 hours.
Market Accessibility
The Airdrie AirPark, located two kilometres east of the
Affordable and strategically located, Airdrie is city, is poised for growth. With a 5,000 foot runway, the
well-suited to distributing and re-distributing a range airport currently accomodates a variety of corporate and
of agricultural, industrial and manufactured goods to recreational aircraft.
anywhere in Western Canada, as well as other Canadian,
US and global markets. Companies like Wal-Mart, Rona, Available Industrial Land
Shoppers Drug Mart and Canadian Tire already have
distribution facilities in the Calgary Region with service Airdrie’s four serviced industrial parks are affordable and
areas throughout Western Canada and beyond. able to accommodate almost any size of business opera-
tion. Their location adjacent to the Calgary-Edmonton
Regional and International Connections Corridor puts businesses within easy reach of Calgary,
Edmonton and the US border.
Airdrie’s location on the Queen Elizabeth II Highway
puts it within 15 minutes of the Calgary International

Kootenay Wood Transport Ltd.
is a family owned operation that began in
1986 with one truck and trailer. Since then, the
company has expanded to include 21 trucks and
four office staff. Today, the company is active in
all western provinces, and with the US border
less than three hours away, they also operate in “For us, there is no better location
than Airdrie. Its proximity to the
all states west of the Mississippi. With a growing Calgary airport, Calgary-Edmonton
client base, Kootenay is shipping a wide range of Corridor and east Calgary industrial
building and industrial products as well as servic- areas is a definite advantage.”
ing Alberta’s oil patch. Ken Bilben
President & Owner
Kootenay Wood Transport Ltd.

Costco Wholesale Corporation operates an and opened a new Western Canada distribution facility
international chain of membership warehouses. Costco’s in Airdrie.
state-of-the-art merchandise distribution facilities are key
to their operating efficiencies. The company’s worldwide The 260,000 square foot facility is located in the city’s
depots handle 80% of the product throughput, and northeast and has the potential to expand to almost
occupy more than 6.5 million square feet of space, 400,000 square feet on a 46 acre site, as needed. While
providing a significant competitive operating advantage. initially employing 100 people, there is an expectation the
depot will expand its workforce year over year, drawing
In 2008, Costco spent approximately $150 million many of its employees from Airdrie and area.
upgrading and expanding a number of depot operations,


Retail Attraction & Development
Population and Incomes on the Rise Increased Retail Investment and
Re-investment Activity
Airdrie continues to enjoy one of the highest growth
rates of any community in Canada, having outpaced Red As Airdrie’s downtown flourishes, the city is also seeing
Deer, Edmonton and even Calgary in recent years. The a substantial rise in the number of large commercial
city continues to grow at a rate of seven people per day, projects. From major mall redevelopments to new com-
attracting a high percentage of families with median mercial parks and specialty retailing, there isn’t a corner
household incomes of $78,097, exceeding both the of Airdrie where growth is not occurring. Commercial
Calgary and provincial averages. and industrial starts continue to increase, as well as then
number of business licenses issued. With hundreds of
The Heart of the City millions of dollars of investment activity aimed at Airdrie–
and more on the way–Airdrie is focused on meeting the
Airdrie’s downtown is experiencing a renaissance, needs of a growing consumer population.
having attracted exciting new developments, as well
as the planned re-development of existing properties. Growing Retail Service Sector
The diversity of projects will provide new residential and
commercial space in the downtown and help to attract Our construction growth continues to break records.
more professional service firms, offices and retail $903 million in construction activity over the past three
businesses. The City’s Downtown Plan provides key years proves Airdrie is leading the pack with rapid growth
support in creating a vital and lively core, making the of the provincial economy. Large retailers including The
downtown a source of pride for all residents. Home Depot, Canadian Tire, Staples and Wal-Mart have
locations in Airdrie, and niche retailers like The Urban
Treehouse Playcentres Inc., Sully Boardsports, Cream
Body & Bath, and The Butcher Shoppe are flourishing
in a trading area of 70,000 people.

NOW you know it’s time to come to Airdrie!

“We love being in downtown Airdrie and
have seen tremendous growth over the
past few years. And, with all the new
development happening downtown we
look forward to a bright economic future.”
Lynn Kehoe
Owner, Cream Body & Bath


Business Opportunities Environmental Industries New Investment Now Sustainable Community Tax Advantage Progressive
Growth City Building Initiatives www.airdrienow.ca Business Opportunities Environmental Industries New Invest-
ment Now Sustainable Community Tax Advantage Progressive Entrepreneurial Spirit Location Location Location Airdrie Now
Professional Services Connections Advanced Manufacturing Technology Competitive Costs Transportation + Logistics Talented
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ness Opportunities Environmental Industries New Investment Now Sustainable Community Tax Advantage Progressive Entre-
preneurial Spirit Location Location Location Airdrie Now Professional Services Connections Advanced Manufacturing Technol-
ogy Competitive Costs Transportation + Logistics Talented Labour Force Retail Attraction & Development Population Growth
City Building Initiatives www.airdrienow.ca Business Opportunities Environmental Industries New Investment Now
ustainable Community Tax Advantage Progressive Entrepreneurial Spirit Location Location Location Airdrie Now Professional
ervices Connections Advanced Manufacturing Technology Competitive Costs Transportation + Logistics Talented Labour
orce Retail Attraction & Development Population Growth City Building Initiatives www.airdrienow.ca Business Opportuni-
ies Environmental Industries New Investment Now Sustainable Community Tax Advantage Progressive Entrepreneurial Spirit
Costs Transportation + Logistics Talented Labour Force Retail Attraction & Development Population Growth City Building
nitiatives www.airdrienow.ca Business Opportunities Environmental Industries New Investment Now Sustainable
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Connections Advanced Manufacturing Technology Competitive Costs Transportation + Logistics Talented Labour Force Retail
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Environmental Industries New Investment Now Sustainable Community Tax Advantage Progressive Entrepreneurial Spirit
Location Location Location Airdrie Now Professional Services Connections Advanced Manufacturing Technology Competi-
ive Costs Transportation + Logistics Talented Labour Force Retail Attraction & Development Population Growth City Building
nitiatives www.airdrienow.ca Business Opportunities Environmental Industries New Investment Now Sustainable Community
Tax Advantage Progressive Entrepreneurial Spirit Location Location Location Airdrie Now Professional Services Connections
Advanced Manufacturing Technology Competitive Costs Transportation + Logistics Talented Labour Force Retail Attraction &
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Building Business Opportunities Environmental Industries
New Investment Now Sustainable Community Tax Advantage Progressive Entrepreneurial Spirit Location Location Location
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istics Talented Labour Force Retail Attraction & Development Population Growth City Building Initiatives www.air

Airdrie Economic Development
City of Airdrie
400 Main Street SE
Airdrie, Alberta, Canada T4B 3C3
Telephone: 403.948.8844
Fax: 403.948.6567
Email: economic.development@airdrie.ca

www.airdrienow.ca

Airdrie Business Investment Profile

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