Projects
Historical Markers
Historical Markers play an important role as the city continues to grow and add new residents on a daily basis. One of the Centennial projects is to create a series of historical markers to give residents the opportunity to get to know past history in the community and further develop a sense of pride about Airdrie. Residents will be invited to explore our city and learn about our past through these wonderful historical markers. Please stay tuned for a map of the locations of the markers once they are completed in 2009.
Legacy Public Art Project
The Legacy Public Art projects are designed to be a celebration of the past, present and future in our community. It was decided at the beginning stages of the Centennial Committee that Public Art was an important piece of our community that the Committee wished to support and create for everyone to enjoy. To date the group has selected a number of locations and artists to help make their vision become a reality. The Legacy Public Art projects are sure to be an effective way to help residents of Airdrie connect and celebrate all things that define who we are! In 2009, we will announce and launch the arts projects.
History Book
Step back in time and read up on some of the most exciting and interesting stories about Airdrie over the past 100 years. The Centennial Committee is proud to present a glimpse of where Airdrie has been, where it is now and where residents see the vibrant city headed in the future. A professional historian has worked with Airdrie residents young and old to capture the spirit of the city in stories and snapshots. A big thanks to everyone who participated in this project and remember in addition to being a great coffee-table book, they also make great gifts for out of town guests.
Centennial Books will be available for purchase in the fall of 2008 at Airdrie City Hall (400 Main Street) as well as several locations around Airdrie. To find out where you can get your hands on a copy check back to this page often!
Airdrie Centennial Flower
The Blue Flax (Linum Perenne) flower has been designated as Airdrie's official centennial flower through a nomination process submitted by the Airdrie Horticultural Society. The flax was nominated beacuase it is indigenous to the prairies and is easy to grow in Airdrie's Zone 2 climate. The Perennial Gardening Guide - Heritage Perennials describes blue flax as a plant that has "small heavenly blue flowers that appear in early summer on an upright arching clump."
Information about Blue Flax:
This flower was chosen:
- For its simple beauty
- Because it is native to our region
- In bloom during centennial celebrations
- Easy to photograph, draw, or paint
- Not already a provincial/city flower
For those interested in joining the centennial celebration by simply adding the blue flax to their garden, here are some tips:
- Type: Perennial
- Likes full sun
- Blooms late spring to mid summer
- Water regularly but do not over-water
- Height: 25 - 30 cm (10 - 12 inches)
- Spread: 45 - 60 cm (18 - 24 inches)
- Soil: Average to dry, well-drained soil
- Bloom: may to August
- Uses: Borders and cut flowers
- Location: wil grow in full sun or part shade
- Can be planted in a container, but will nedd to be waterd more reularly
- Self-seeds and unwanted seedlings can be pulled up in the spring
Inquire at your local garden centres for the perennial version of this plant. Annula seeds can also be planted every spring after risk of frost. For more information, visit the Airdrie Horticultural Society web site.
Banners
In the fall of 2007, the City of Airdrie is replacing the blue and white boulevard banners on the street light poles with new banners featuring a bright new look.About 100 new banners will hang along Main Street from Veteran’s Boulevard to Nose Creek Park, and, for the first time, along First Avenue from 8th Street to Edwards Way. The banners are part of the City’s business development and tourism program, and are designed to draw visitors, residents and businesses to Airdrie’s downtown. The banner designs feature two themes: “Airdrie Energy” and “Celebrating Our Centennial.” The “Celebrating Our Centennial” banners feature three banner designs, all depicting a different landmark from Airdrie’s past. Residents and visitors can see the entire Centennial banner series on the decorative poles at the corners of Main Street and First Avenue, Main Street and Centre Avenue, and in the median on First Avenue near 8th Street. These banners introduce a host of Centennial celebrations happening over the next two years.
Celebrating our Centennial Series If you or your business is interested in sponsoring any of the above projects please contact Michael Mcallister 948-8800 ext 776 or Michael.mcallister@airdrie.ca.
Celebrating 100 years of pioneer spirit and community building.
