Airdrie Housing Solutions Working Group Summary Report

Building a More Affordable and Inclusive Housing Future for Airdrie

Airdrie’s rapid growth presents both opportunities and challenges in housing. While demand for housing continues to rise, affordability remains a major concern for many residents, particularly seniors, young families, essential workers, and newcomers. High housing costs, low rental vacancy rates, and a lack of diverse housing options make it difficult for many to find stable and affordable homes.

Recognizing these challenges, the Airdrie Housing Solutions Working Group (AHSWG) was established in early 2024 to develop local, action-oriented strategies that align with the City’s long-term housing and affordability goals. By engaging industry leaders, non-profits, and city officials, the AHSWG identified key areas where policy innovation, strategic investments, and collaborative partnerships could help bridge the affordability gap.

This report outlines five key recommendations aimed at improving housing accessibility, streamlining development processes, and fostering long-term sustainability in Airdrie’s housing market.

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Key Findings: Housing Challenges in Airdrie

Homeownership is out of reach for many residents.
- The income required to buy an entry-level home is 16% higher than Airdrie’s median household income.
Rental affordability remains a significant barrier.
- A household needs to earn at least $53,400 per year to afford the median-priced rental unit.
Airdrie’s rental market is under extreme pressure.
- The city’s 1.1% rental vacancy rate is far below a healthy 3-5%, creating upward pressure on rents and limiting choices for renters.
Certain demographic groups are most at risk.
- Seniors on fixed incomes, young families, and newcomers face the most significant housing barriers.
Affordable housing supply is limited.
- Airdrie has approximately 2,000 households in core housing need—a number expected to rise by 44% by 2031 if no action is taken.

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Strategic Housing Solutions for Airdrie

1. Establish a Collaborative Housing Innovation Hub

Airdrie needs a structured, ongoing collaboration mechanism to drive housing solutions.

Launch the Airdrie Housing Innovation Hub, a central platform for stakeholder engagement.
Host quarterly Housing Roundtables to improve coordination between government, industry, and non-profits.
Secure funding to support collaborative housing initiatives and public-private partnerships.

Impact: Strengthens policy alignment, fosters innovation, and enhances transparency in housing decisions.

2. Accelerate the 2024-2030 Affordable Housing Principled Action Plan

To meet Airdrie’s growing housing needs, the City must fast-track affordable housing projects and funding mechanisms.

Dedicate 1% of the annual tax base to the Affordable Housing Reserve Fund to support housing initiatives.
Implement a Rapid Response Process to expedite approvals for multi-family and affordable housing developments.
Simplify the zoning and regulatory process to encourage more affordable housing developments.

Impact: Addresses urgent housing shortages while leveraging municipal and external funding opportunities.

3. Strengthen Industry & Non-Profit Partnerships

Collaboration between housing developers and non-profits is critical to increasing the supply of affordable homes.

Create a matchmaking program to connect developers with non-profits for joint housing projects.
Launch the Mission-Driven Land Partnership initiative to develop housing on underutilized city and institutional land.
Provide training and capacity-building support for non-profit housing providers.

Impact: Expands affordable housing inventory and promotes sustainable development practices.

4. Implement an Evidence-Based Approach to Community Building

Airdrie’s housing policies should be guided by data and community engagement to create diverse, inclusive neighborhoods.

Develop an assessment tool to evaluate housing proposals based on affordability, livability, and long-term impact.
Implement flexible zoning regulations to accommodate a range of housing types, including townhouses and mixed-use developments.
Establish a Community Champions Program to amplify underrepresented voices in housing and planning decisions.

Impact: Encourages balanced, data-driven decision-making and enhances public trust in housing initiatives.

5. Advocate for Airdrie’s Housing Priorities with Higher Levels of Government

To secure funding and policy support, Airdrie must proactively engage with provincial and federal policymakers.

Establish the Airdrie Housing Advocacy Alliance to coordinate housing-related lobbying efforts.
Develop a comprehensive Airdrie Housing Needs Prospectus to present to government funders and policymakers.
Organize an annual Regional Housing Solutions Summit to strengthen collaboration with neighboring municipalities.

Impact: Improves access to critical funding, streamlines intergovernmental coordination, and ensures Airdrie’s housing needs remain a policy priority.

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Moving Forward: A Made-in-Airdrie Housing Strategy

The Airdrie Housing Solutions Working Group has developed a community-first, action-oriented roadmap to address housing affordability and accessibility. By implementing these strategic recommendations, the City of Airdrie can:
• Expand affordable housing options for residents.
• Reduce regulatory barriers to development.
• Strengthen public-private partnerships for sustainable growth.
• Advocate for long-term housing investments at all levels of government.

This "Made-in-Airdrie" approach reflects the city’s commitment to housing innovation, equity, and sustainable growth. With a clear action plan in place, Airdrie is poised to set a new standard for municipal collaboration on housing solutions.

Want to learn more? Read the full report and discover how Airdrie is shaping the future of housing!

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Read Full Report:

https://hubs.ly/Q034lhSt0