Business Attraction

Airdrie is fast becoming one of the leading local economies in the Calgary region. $428 million was invested through new development into the city in 2007, an increase of more than $178 million from 2006. Residential development is the leading cause of most of this growth, however over $129 million in commercial and industrial construction value was permitted in 2007, up from $80 million the previous year. The inventory of commercial and industrial space continues to increase. With three new business parks fully serviced and ready for development and one more business park coming on line, non-residential development is anticipated to accelerate over the next two years.

Airdrie Economic Indicators at a Glance

Alberta’s Economic Results

• Over the past decade, Alberta had the highest rate of economic growth rate in Canada at 4.3%. In 2006, Alberta's economy grew by an estimated 7.0% (Conference Board of Canada) and experts predict Alberta will have one of Canada's top performing economies in the future.
• Alberta's exports of goods and services more than tripled between 1995 and 2005 to $87.8 billion. A growing number of those exports are manufactured products and services. Exports of manufactured goods more than doubled over the same period.
• Alberta has had a rapidly growing manufacturing base. Between 1995 and 2005, manufacturing shipments more than doubled to $60.3 billion.
• The province consistently has the highest investment per capita among provinces. In 2005, Alberta investment per capita was $18,403, more than twice the national average. A total of $60.3 billion was invested in 2005, almost triple the 1995 level.
• Alberta's vibrant economy translates into a healthy job market. Average annual employment in the province in 2006 increased by 86,300 over 2005. Approximately 465,600 new jobs were created between 1996 and 2006.
• Alberta's average unemployment rate in 2006 was the lowest in Canada at 3.4%.

Alberta's Positive Business Climate

• The lowest overall taxes in Canada.
• No provincial sales tax [the only province in Canada without one].
• No general capital or payroll taxes prevalent in other provinces and U.S. states.
• A highly entrepreneurial and competitive business community.
• A government committed to less regulation to enhance business competitiveness.
• A fiscally responsible government that has eliminated its provincial debt, demonstrating to investors the business-like attitude of the government here.
• A highly skilled, educated, and motivated workforce that is the most productive in Canada.
• A strong science and technology culture.
• World-class infrastructure to support business, including transportation, telecommunications, and utilities, as well as excellent hospitals, schools, and post-secondary institutions.

Alberta’s Natural Advantages

• An abundance of energy reserves that fuel a thriving oil and gas industry.
• An abundance of forest reserves to responsibly meet the needs of a growing forest products industry.
• Excellent farm land, which supports world-class agriculture production.
• Clean air and water, unmatched scenery, and culturally diverse communities with a quality of life second to none.

Source: Government of Alberta, 2007

Airdrie and the Calgary-Edmonton Corridor

Located on the Queen Elizabeth II Highway (formally named Highway 2) between Calgary Edmonton, Airdrie is a main transportation hub along the corridor with approximately 50,000 vehicles passing by the community per day. The Calgary International Airport is a ten minute drive from Airdrie. The airport offers 360 degree market penetration for international cargo and passenger carriers.

In 2003, TD Bank Financial Group detailed the growth potential of the Calgary-Edmonton Corridor (the Corridor is defined along the major north/south transportation route of the Queen Elizabeth II Highway - Provincial Highway #2). Airdrie is located directly on the corridor with 20 million vehicles a year passing through the city. Building on the success of this region, the recently annexed lands adjacent to the Highway are currently under development in the four quadrants of the city. The Corridor is a low cost place to do business, has a young and diverse population and world class infrastructure supporting business development and attracting both people and investment to Airdrie and Alberta.

Source: The Calgary-Edmonton Corridor: Take Action Now to Ensure the Tiger's Roar Doesn't Fade, April 2003. TD Bank Financial Group. (425 KB, PDF.)