appendix 8: airdrie city plan (part 2)

8/4/2019 Appendix 8: Airdrie City Plan (Part 2)

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February, 2004

Dear Members of the Airdrie Community,

On behalf of Airdrie City Council, I am pleased to present the Airdrie City Plan. This plan is

designed to assist the City in implementing its Vision, as adopted by Council, which reads:

Airdrie shall be known as the safe, friendly and caring city. Our diverse

community shall be the 'best place to raise a family'. Residents shall be

even prouder of their vibrant community spirit and their ability to pulltogether to make things happen!

Foresight and effective development planning shall ensure quality housing,

parks and leisure amenities, and a growing range of local employment

opportunities. Airdrie shall be 'technology friendly' - capitalizing on the

opportunities of the information age.

With the Plans new focus on the Triple Bottom Line of Social Well-Being,

Environmental Responsibility and Fiscal Accountability, we believe that thisdocument sets the right direction for the development of our City as we move into the

21st Century.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who helped prepare this Plan,

including the many members of City Boards and Commissions, and the Citys

administration.

Sincerely,

Dan OneilMayor


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Publishing Information

Title: Airdrie City Plan

Author: The City of Airdrie

Status: Adopted by City Council

June 20, 2003 Bylaw B-07/2003

Amended February 17, 2004 Bylaw B-04/2004

Amended February 17, 2004 Bylaw B-05/2004

Amended March 7, 2005 Bylaw B-05/2005

Amended May 5, 2008 Bylaw B-19/2008

Amended July 20, 2009 Bylaw B-29/2009

Printing Date: July 30, 2009

Additional Copies:

The City of Airdrie

Planning Department

400 Main Street SE

Airdrie, AB T4B 3C3

Telephone: 403.948.8848

Fax: 403.948.6567

e-mail: [email protected]

website : www.airdrie.ca


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................................................5

PART 1 .........................................................................................................................................................................6

GROWTH MANAGEMENT .....................................................................................................................................6

1-1 SOCIALWELL-BEING ............................................................................................................................71A COMMUNITY SERVICES..........................................................................................................................71B HOUSING STRATEGY...............................................................................................................................7 1C EMERGENCY SERVICES..........................................................................................................................8

1-2 ENVIRONMENTALRESPONSIBILITY...............................................................................................101-3 FISCALACCOUNTABILITY ................................................................................................................141-4 SEQUENCEOFDEVELOPMENT.........................................................................................................16

PART 2 .......................................................................................................................................................................19

LAND USE.................................................................................................................................................................19

2-1 RESIDENTIALDEVELOPMENT..........................................................................................................192-2 COMMERCIAL.......................................................................................................................................24

2-2A CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT........................................................................................................242-2B HIGHWAY COMMERCIAL.................................................................................................................25 2-2C NEIGHBOURHOOD COMMERCIAL ................................................................................................26 2-2D REGIONAL COMMERCIAL ...............................................................................................................27

2-2E MIXEDUSECOMMERCIAL.................................................................................................................282-3 INDUSTRIAL..........................................................................................................................................282-4 PARKS,SCHOOLSANDOPENSPACE................................................................................................31

2-4A SCHOOLS............................................................................................................................................342-4B COMMUNITY FACILITIES ................................................................................................................35

2-5 AGRICULTURALOPERATIONS..........................................................................................................37

PART 3 .......................................................................................................................................................................39

TRANSPORTATION AND UTILITIES.................................................................................................................39

3-1 UTILITIES,PUBLICANDPRIVATE....................................................................................................393-2 STORMWATERRETENTION,DRAINAGEANDFLOODMITIGATION........................................423-3 TRANSPORTATION ..............................................................................................................................43

3-3A NOISE..................................................................................................................................................463-3B PUBLIC TRANSIT...............................................................................................................................48

3-4 WASTEMANAGEMENT.......................................................................................................................49

PART 4 .......................................................................................................................................................................51

IMPLEMENTATION...............................................................................................................................................51

4-1 HIERARCHYOFPLANS........................................................................................................................514-2 THELANDUSEBYLAW.......................................................................................................................524-3 INTERMUNICIPALPLANNING...........................................................................................................52


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INTRODUCTION

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INTRODUCTION

The Airdrie City Plan contains broad policies that influence a widerange of municipal concerns. It is intended that these policies be

interpreted as guides in the Citys development management

decisions, providing a strategic perspective to such decisions.

This Plan fulfils the requirements of the Municipal Government

Act as the Citys Municipal Development Plan, and replaces the

previous Municipal Development Plan (Bylaw 16/98) as amended,through adoptionofBylaw B-07/2003 and Bylaw B-04/2004. It

provides policy direction for future land uses for all areas of the

City, parks, open space, community facilities and school sitededication, as well as the design and provision of municipal and

other services.

The theme of the Plan is set in Part I. The City intends to guide itsactivities with regard to Growth Management through

reference to the Triple Bottom Line of Social well-being,

Environmental responsibility, and Fiscal accountability.While these sub-headings contain policies unto themselves,

they also provide a theme for the rest of the policy sections

of the Plan.

Part 2 contains the Citys Growth Management policies as

related to the different general categories of land use, while Part 3

deals with major infrastructure issues. Finally, Part 4 describes the

means through which the Plan is to be implemented.

Every attempt has been made to create a Plan which is easy tounderstand and navigate. The grouping of policies in subject areas

is intended to simplify the readers search for information and

comprehension of the plans meaning.

The Plan contains reference to several other City of Airdrie policy

documents. Rather than attempt to re-state these policies, adetailed listing is included at the back of this Plan.


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PART 1GROWTH MANAGEMENT

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PART 1

GROWTH MANAGEMENT

The Corporation of the City of Airdrie is committed to a growth

management approach that responds to the needs of todaysgeneration without compromising the ability of future generations

to meet their needs. As a leader in community building our successis achieved through a commitment to working towards the ""ttrriipplleebboottttoomm lliinnee oofftthhee 2211sstt CCeennttuurryy: social well-being, environmental

responsibility and fiscal accountability.


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1-1 SOCIAL WELL-BEING

1A COMMUNITY SERVICES

In the context of the Municipal Development Plan, the

term "Community Services" is used to refer to the soft

services the City provides which affect the quality of

life of its residents. These include matters relating toeducation, health, fire and police protection, libraries,

recreation services and other social needs. Delivery of

these services may be the direct responsibility of theCity or may be provided by various private groups,

public agencies or other levels of government. It is the

intention and responsibility of the City to ensure that

essential services are co-ordinated and continue to be madeavailable to the growing local population.

POLICIES

1-1A.1 The City shall continue to co-operate with public and

privately operated education, health, social and culturalagencies to ensure that a high standard of community

services are available to the residents of Airdrie and that the

services provided are responsive to changing needs andfunding sources.

1-1A.2 In partnership with provincially funded programs, the City

shall continue to support social initiatives, programs and

partnerships, which address social needs in accordance withits Social Well Being Strategy.

1B HOUSING STRATEGY

As an urban centre, one of the primary objectives of the City of

Airdrie is to ensure that an adequate supply of housing existswhich provides for a wide variety of density, style, size, tenure and

price. It is the City's intent to provide an aesthetically pleasing,convenient and safe physical environment for both residents and

visitors to the area. The needs of all residents must also beconsidered when reviewing new development and redevelopment

proposals. Future residential developments shall be evaluated and

reviewed with the goal of encouraging energy efficiency, resourceconservation and sustainability. New developments shall be

encouraged to provide access to technology and


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telecommunication infrastructure necessary to serve home basedbusinesses.

POLICIES

1-1B.1 Working in co-operation with various governmentagencies, non-profit organisations and the private sector,the City shall endeavour to plan for a wide range of

housing which meets the needs of various socio-economic

groups, seniors and the handicapped.

1-1B.2 The City shall monitor housing development to evaluate

whether housing policies and guidelines are being met andshall evaluate opportunities to address specific needs as

they arise.

1-1B.3 The City encourages developers to establish design

guidelines and architectural controls for housing

developments, which enhance interaction and

communication, provide a sense of community and arepedestrian friendly.

1C EMERGENCY SERVICES

The location and number of fire and paramedic facilities shall be

reviewed on a regular basis and shall be developed in consultationwith Emergency Services. The City of Airdrie Emergency Services

Master Plan provides goals and objectives for emergency services

which should be reviewed and updated on a regular basis.

Local police protection shall continue to be provided by contract

with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (R.C.M.P.) and

Municipal Enforcement officers. The City shall continue toevaluate the need to create to a civic police department when

economically feasible or warranted.


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POLICIES

1-1C.1 Emergency Services shall endeavour to preserve and

enhance the quality of life in Airdrie by providing anenvironment that is secure and safe for its residents and to

provide fire suppression, fire prevention, advanced lifesupport and rescue services.

1-1C.2 Emergency Services shall endeavour to address public

concerns and enhance public awareness, to educate

residents with respect to the various roles andresponsibilities in provision of emergency services in

Airdrie.

1-1C.3 Emergency Services shall develop and maintain a

financially responsible and attainable plan.

1-1C.4 The City shall strive to incorporate new fire prevention

technologies into the community, which may include the

incorporation of sprinkler systems in new residential

developments and other initiatives to keep the cost of fireservices at a desirable level.


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1-2 ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

Urban Communities can generate significant environmentalimpacts. High energy consumption, green house gas emissions,

land consumption and waste materials generated by households andbusinesses are factors that must be taken into account in thecommunity building process. It is essential to Airdrie and the

surrounding regions quality of life that the City move forward

with its environmental programs and take a leadership role inensuring that our community is an attractive and healthy place in

which to reside. Airdrie shall continue to take a leadership role and

be exemplary in the area of environmental management.

Within the City of Airdrie, certain areas exist that due to their

physiographic character or environmentally sensitive nature should

be retained in their natural state or protected from incompatibledevelopment. The City should take a lead role in ensuring local

amenities are identified and protected as required. Environmental

considerations form an integral part of the local planning process.Lands identified as having environmental significance or hazardous

properties should be identified and addressed in the preliminary

planning stages, protected or permitted to continue to perform theirnatural functions.

The City must also ensure resources of a cultural or historical

nature are preserved for the benefit of its residents and future

generations. The environmental impacts of development,redevelopment and City operations shall be carefully monitored in

terms of existing conditions as well as future and cumulative

impacts. Wherever feasible the City shall

endeavour to mitigate or eliminate activities which are detrimentalto the environment. Energy efficient design and construction in

new developments throughout the municipality is a means of

reducing costs to the developer, homeowner and the City.

POLICIES

1-2.1 The City shall encourage the provision of enhanced

communication and technological infrastructure to facilitate

home based offices.

1-2.2 Developers shall be required to demonstrate how proposed

construction projects and new developments contribute to

community health, utilise environmentally sound practicesand conserve resources.


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1-2.3 The City of Airdrie shall explore alternative waste

management and disposal options that reduce the volume of

waste generated by the community.

1-2.4 The City shall implement recycling initiatives and seekpartnerships with surrounding municipalities with respectto waste management.

1-2.5 The City shall promote waste reduction through public

education, recycling and composting programs, user payand by-law controls.

1-2.6 The City shall plan for adequate sites for recyclingcollection stations.

1-2.7 The City shall monitor need and encourage thedevelopment of storage and sorting areas for recyclable

materials in non-residential areas.

1-2.8 The City shall support private and public sector initiativesin the development of environmentally friendly solid waste

management projects or systems.

1-2.9 The City shall ensure facilities for liquid and hazardous

waste transfer are provided to meet the needs of localresidents.

1-2.10 The City shall actively pursue partnerships andinitiatives with surrounding municipalities in areas of

waste reduction, recycling and other environmental

initiatives.

1-2.11 The City shall strive to be a leader in areas of waste

reduction, recycling and other environmental initiatives.

1-2.12 Special setback requirements from high pressure pipelines

or substations shall be respected and incorporated into

subdivision design and new development is encouraged toincorporate existing facilities into the design rather than

requiring relocation of the facility.

1-2.13 All development shall respect and maintain the integrity of

the Nose Creek corridor and environment.


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1-2.14 New subdivision and development is encouraged tominimise the amount of road required to service a given

area.

1-2.15 Developers are encouraged to orient development sites to

take advantage of winter sun in order to reduce the cost ofheating.

1-2.16 Structures should be sighted so as not to restrict adjacent

sites' access to sunlight.

1-2.17 Energy efficient design and construction techniques are

encouraged in all structures including the incorporation of

water saving devices and fixtures.

1-2.18 Landscaping should be undertaken in a manner that

provides natural cooling during summer months andprotects development from prevailing winds.

1-2.19 Innovative housing design which reduces total energy

demand, material and land requirements is encouraged.

1-2.20 All Community Area Structure Plans and Neighbourhood

Structure Plan plans submitted for review shall beaccompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment.


Structure Plans submitted for review shall be accompanied

by an Environmental Site Assessment (Phase 1) anddescribe what follow up measures are required including

determining whether a Phase 2 and/or Phase 3 assessment

is required.


Structure Plans submitted for review shall be subject to

provincial review for identification of historically orculturally significant sites.

1-2.23 Major drainage and water courses shall be protected fromdevelopment, dedicated as environmental reserve and

integrated into urban development in a manner which

minimises disruption of the natural drainage system.

1-2.24 No development other than parks shall be permitted to

occur within the floodway of Nose Creek.


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1-2.25 Development within the flood risk zone may be allowed inaccordance with the requirements ofThe Federal /Provincial Flood Damage Reduction Programmeand City

standards.

1-2.26 All new developments shall be required to regulate andcontrol surface runoff during and following constructionand shall include the incorporation of treatment for storm

water run off designed to improve the quality of the runoff

entering the receiving body.

1-2.27 The City shall endeavour to retain and improve the natural

functions and habitat as well as improve the recreational

and scenic qualities of watercourses.

1-2.28 Parks development and operations shall be carried out in a

manner which minimises the need for invasive action suchas pesticide and herbicide spraying, utilizing natural forms

of control wherever possible.


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1-3 FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY

The ability of the City to provide services to its residents is directlylinked to its revenues and its management of municipal finances.

Day to day operations and funding for major capital projects mustbe generated from sources including the municipal tax base,government grants, development levies and user fees. It is the

intent of the City to maintain a balanced financial position so that

its citizens and businesses are not unduly taxed in the present andfuture for the provision of required municipal services. New

development should not result in long-term costs to the community

and must support itself in terms of initial capital expenditures. TheCity manages development to the extent that it is self-sustaining in

terms of capital and operating expenditures and provides a balance

between the residential and the non-residential tax base.

POLICIES

1-3.1 The City shall manage its debt servicing costs inaccordance with its debt management policy and the

Municipal Government Act.

1-3.2 The City of Airdrie shall prepare Fiscal Impact Analysis of

all Community Area Structure Plan and Neighbourhood

Structure Plan documents to ensure that the long term

fiscal implications to the City and taxpayer are evaluated.

1-3.3 Non-residential and residential lands in The City of Airdrieshall be developed in a fashion that leads to an assessment

split of 40 percent non-residential and 60 percent

residential at build out.

1-3.4 The City shall liaise with other levels of government to

fully capitalise on available funding programs and grantswhile seeking to achieve financial independence in terms of

capital expenditures.

1-3.5 Local groups and organizations shall be encouraged to take

an active role in raising funds and supporting the operation

of community facilities.

1-3.6 The initial cost of roads, sidewalks, water, sewer, sanitary

and shallow utility requirements in new development areas

shall be borne by the proponent of such development.


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1-3.7 The City shall promote the growth of its industrial,downtown commercial, regional commercial and public

sectors of the City's economy.

1-3.8 The rate and location of future growth shall maintain a

balance between public demand for services and overallfiscal capacity.

1-3.9 Calculations for off-site levies, fees and charges shall be

reviewed on a regular basis and amended accordingly to

reflect current costs and the rate of inflation.


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1-4 SEQUENCE OF DEVELOPMENT

The City of Airdrie intends to ensure that growth andexpansion in all growth areas occurs in an efficient,

orderly and economic fashion. Ideally, this would meandevelopment would occur in a contiguous manner in closeproximity to existing development and major services.

POLICIES

1-4.1 All lands proposed for development shall be

required to follow the Hierarchy of Plans processoutlined in Part IV of this Plan before subdivision

or development may occur. Such plans shall be

developed in accordance with The City of Airdrie

Guidelines for the Preparation of Area StructurePlans.

1-4.2 Future development shall be permitted only inlocations that can be accommodated by logical

extensions of the municipal infrastructure, and that

follow a logical sequencing of development.

1-4.3 Future development areas shall be subject to Community

Area Structure Plans, undertaken by the City or its

delegates, when deemed appropriate to ensure the

continued supply of land in accordance with Councilpriorities.

1.4.4 The City shall facilitate the provision of a 5 year supply of

serviced land in each major land use category toaccommodate short-term growth.

1.4.5 The City shall ensure the provision of a 10 to 20- yearplanned (CASP) land supply in each major land use

category to accommodate medium-term growth.

1.4.6 The City shall endeavour to maintain a 30 year supply of

developable land within its municipal boundaries.

1.4.7 In unusual circumstances, and where a clear benefit to theCity may be demonstrated, the City may consider

development "out of sequence" (as in 1.4.2 above)provided

the developer agrees to front end the full costs of extendingservices to a particular area.


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1.4.8 In the event the City agrees to allow out of sequence

development and front ending of main services, the City

shall undertake to obtain reimbursement to the developerby way of an Endeavour to Assist Agreement, subject to

the limitations imposed by provincial legislation andreasonable time constraints.


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PART 2

LAND USE

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PART 2LAND USE

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PART 2

LAND USE

2-1 RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

Residential development occupies the greatest proportion of land

within Airdries boundaries. The type of development, both in

terms of density and form has a direct bearing on the level ofsatisfaction of existing residents and the ability of the

community to attract new residents. Residential development

also has a major impact on the finances of the City and itsability to maintain a reasonable level of services in an efficient

manner. It is the Citys responsibility to ensure that future

residential development occurs in accordance with financial,

environmental and social policy goals established elsewhere inthis Plan. The Land Use Concept illustrates areas suitable for

residential land uses. The areas are identified as General

Urban Use.

Demand for residential redevelopment is expected to occur in the

older areas of Airdrie, including Old Town and the CentralBusiness District. This redevelopment is encouraged within the

framework of the Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan and

revised structure plan policies for Old Town. The City shallendeavour to facilitate a policy framework for this area allowing

for sensitive redevelopment and densification which enhances theeconomic viability and the architectural character of the area.

Regardless of the type or location of residential development, it isthe intent of the City of Airdrie to ensure that it occurs in an

attractive and efficient manner so that it remains a fiscal and social

asset to the community.

The changing nature of work and an ageing population shall also

have impacts on the styles and types of residential development

that is in demand. The opportunity exists for Airdrie to provide

housing options which provide identity for and enhance thedesirability of the community. Options for innovative residential

development which accommodate secondary suites and otherhousing alternatives for an ageing population should be

accommodated in new housing stock. Future residential

development should incorporate the infrastructure that facilitateshome-work arrangements. Further to this, a wide range of housing

opportunities shall act to insulate the City during periods of


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PART 2LAND USE

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economic downturn in which certain segments of the housingmarket are less desirable.

Providing a range of housing opportunities is necessary for abalanced community, both socially and economically. Affordable

housing opportunities shall serve to make Airdrie a more attractivechoice for business and industry that require lower wagemanpower. Socially, it is important that every segment of the

community has access to liveable housing options. This increases

the likelihood that all income strata can remain in Airdrie within an

established social and familial network or relocate to Airdrie forlifestyle or employment options.

POLICIES

2-1.1 In keeping with the Citys fiscal, environmental and

land use goals, the City shall ensure throughCommunity Area Structure Plans (CASPs) and

Neighbourhood Structure Plans (NSPs) that new

communities and neighbourhoods become more

sustainable by adhering to the following principles:

Residential land uses shall achieve a minimumdensity of 7.0 units per net developable acrewithin all new Neighbourhood Structure Plan

areas.

Providing liveable and healthy communitiesthat include a mixture of single and multi-unitdwelling types, densities and land uses.

Ensuring a more compact urban form thatmore efficiently utilizes land and infrastructure.

Creating areas of higher residential density totake advantage ofalternate modes of

transportation (i.e. walking, cycling, transit,

etc.) and thus reducing the reliance on the

private automobile.

Ensuring through sound community andneighbourhood design, the development of

pedestrian friendly communities and

neighbourhoods (providing for and encouraging

alternative modes of transport), reducing thereliance on the private automobile.


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Providing attractive public spaces and

commerce/business areas (where appropriate) that

successfully integrate and support adjacent residential landuses and encourage walking and a vibrant community life.

2-1.2 In co-operation with developers, the City shall endeavour

to ensure that a minimum five to ten year supply of

serviceable residential land is available in a variety of

locations and by a variety of developers.

2-1.3 A high standard of visual amenity shall be incorporated

into all new development areas by capitalising on variedvisual impressions produced by such features as road

configuration, integrated open space, sensitive use of

building materials, or colours, landscaping and architecturalstyles.

2-1.4 Housing developments that provide a range of lifestyle and

work alternatives are encouraged.

2-1.5 The City shall seek to provide a flexible mixed housing

stock which accommodates all ages (e.g. seniors co-ophousing).

2-1.6 All developments are encouraged to incorporate high

quality and durable materials in exterior finish which

minimise long term maintenance.

2-1.7 Designs which incorporate dead-end or hammerhead lanes

are not permitted.

2-1.8 Suitable sound attenuation devices shall be required in

areas where residential development is located adjacent to

major arterial roadways or railway lines and creativesolutions to sound attenuation which complement the

aesthetics of an area are encouraged.

2-1.9 Community Area Structure Plans and Neighbourhood

Structure Plans shall demonstrate sensitivity to established

residential edges with regard to style and density.

2-1.10The range, style and type of single dwelling developmentshall be approved in Neighbourhood Structure Plans and


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may be dependent on the inclusion of design features suchas, but not limited to:

paved lanes, parking pads and driveways; architectural controls; varied front yard setbacks; uniform perimeter fencing including rear garbage

enclosures;

separated sidewalks and landscaped boulevards; entrance treatments; open space; rear attached/detached garages landscape plan

2-1.11 Small lot detached housing may be allowed provided that

such lots form part of an approved comprehensively

designed development area, taking into account location,clustering, servicing capacity and the development of a

socially cohesive community.

2-1.12 Medium density attached housing developments areencouraged to develop as part of the overall low density

development in a manner which blends with, and enhances

surrounding land uses.

2-1.13 In addition to small lot and semi-detached dwellings,

affordable housing developments are encouraged to take

the form of multi-unit complexes, attached housing orsuites so as to capitalise on energy efficiencies and reduce

land consumption. Such housing shall be designed to blend

into the overall streetscape.

2-1.15 The City shall encourage multi unit high density

development to locate in proximity to shopping facilities,institutions, parks or open space and have good access to

arterial roadways and public transit service.

2-1.16 The City shall investigate the appropriateness of

contributing to the supply of rental accommodations byallowing the development of basement suites in existing

areas and by promoting an appropriate zoning which allows

basement suites in new development areas.

2-1.17 The City shall evaluate the need to establish a social

housing stock. If it is demonstrated that a need exists, the


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City shall consider its options in encouraging suchdevelopment.

2-1.18An Area Redevelopment Plan shall be completed for OldTown and Big Springs, and shall address the following:

Densification strategies Design guidelines for infill development Framework for re-subdivision of existing lots Community vision for sensitive redevelopment Guidelines for commercial development adjacent to

existing commercial districts

Protection of the current character of the area


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2-2 COMMERCIAL

Within the City of Airdrie, commercial land uses fit into four basicgroups:

The Central Business District Highway Commercial Regional Commercial Neighbourhood Commercial Mixed Use Commercial

Each group has its own particular development characteristics and

location criteria which differentiate the uses.

2-2A CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT

It is the intent of the City to ensure that the Central BusinessDistrict serves as the focus for urban life, and remains the primary

location for retail, office, civic or community activities, contained

in a clearly defined area. As such, the limits of the existingdowntown and future expansion areas have been identified in

Figure 3. Floor space to ground area ratios are generally higher in

this area however the importance of open space and a well-developed circulation system is recognized. As a central area,

pedestrian movements, good traffic circulation, adequate parking

and proper connections to transportation systems and corridors

outside the Central Business District must be accommodated.

POLICIES

2-2A.1 The area shown in Figure 3 as Central Business Districtshall function as the primary commercial and business

sector in the City. Main uses encouraged in this area are

retail trades; offices; personal services; entertainmentcultural, and restaurant facilities; public and government

operations; major business activities intended to serve the

local resident trade area requirements; and residences assecondary uses to the primary commercial activities.

2-2A.2 All development in the Central Business District shall

conform to the policies and design guidelines in theDowntown Area Redevelopment Plan.


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2-2A.3 The City shall ensure that an adequate traffic circulationpattern for vehicles and pedestrians is maintained within

the Central Business District, including additional crossings

of the railway, and the provision for public transit access.

2-2A.4 New developments in the Central Business District shallmake provisions for access to public transit.

2-2A.5 Rear service lanes should be incorporated to provide access

to parking, delivery and loading areas.

2-2A.6 Residential land uses are encouraged on the periphery of

the Central Business District that incorporate amenity

spaces for the use of the residential component and that arefunctionally separated from public areas associated with

commercial activities.

2-2A.7 New developments in the Central Business District shall be

encouraged to incorporate residential space as a secondary

use on second and third floors.

2-2A.8 As part of the Central Business District development, use

of existing housing stock in the Central Business District

area for suitable commercial uses should be considered asan appropriate transitional use.

2-2A.9 The City shall investigate the provision of strategically

located sites for the development of public parking lots.

2-2A.10The City shall consider appropriate transition from

residential to commercial use at the periphery of the

Central Business District through the adoption of AreaRedevelopment Plans.

2-2B HIGHWAY COMMERCIAL

Highway Commercial provides a limited range of commercial andretail services to the travelling public. In Airdrie, these areas are

located along the Highway No. 2 corridor and are accessed by

service roads paralleling the highway. Future development shall

occur at the locations shown in Figure 3.


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POLICIES

2-2B.1 Highway Commercial land uses (directly related to or

dependent upon the travelling public) shall be limited tothose areas adjacent to Highway No. 2 as shown in Figure

3.

2-2B.2 Access to all sites shall be via existing or approved service

roads intended to service the Highway Commercial area.

2-2B.3 The architecture, landscaping, signage and lighting ofHighway Commercial developments shall be strictly

controlled to enhance the appearance of the Highway 2

corridor.

2-2B.4 Buffering shall be provided between Highway Commercial

and residential land uses to prevent possible conflict due tonoise, hours of operation, or detrimental visual impact.

2-2C NEIGHBOURHOOD COMMERCIAL

Neighbourhood Commercial land uses form part of residentialdevelopment in subdivisions further removed from the CBD and

larger commercial areas. They are included under the heading

General Urban Use on the Land Use Concept Map (Figure 3). Uses

are normally restricted to those which serve the convenience needs

of the local residents.

POLICIES

2-2C.1 Neighbourhood Commercial sites should be separated by asignificant distance from one another in order to ensure

the viability of each site.

2-2C.2 At the Community Area Structure Plan stage, the number

of Neighbourhood Commercial sites shall be reviewed and

the applicant shall provide a market study that shall:

i. Address the sustainability of any commercial sites; andii. Establish that the size of the site shall not be

detrimental to the economic viability of the Downtown.

2-2C.3 Access to Neighbourhood Commercial sites shall belimited to arterial and major collector standard roadways.


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2-2C.4 Neighbourhood Commercial sites are encouraged inresidential areas to service the convenience retail and

service needs of the immediate catchment area.

2-2C.5 The architecture, landscaping, signage and lighting of all

developments in this district shall be strictly controlled toensure compatibility with adjacent uses.

2-2C.6 Orientation of structures shall maximize accessibility for

pedestrians and bicycle racks shall be provided on site.

2-2C.7 Site layout shall take into account traffic circulation

patterns, parking requirements and building orientation so

as to reduce the impact on adjacent land uses.

2-2D REGIONAL COMMERCIAL

Regional Commercial sites are intended to provide a range of

commercial goods and services and function as an employmentnode for Airdrie and the surrounding trade area. It is the intent of

this Plan that the number of Regional Commercial sites in the Plan

area be strictly limited and controlled in order to protect the vitalityand viability of the Downtown. Regional Commercial sites shall

not be considered without meeting the requirements of this

Section.

POLICIES

2-2D.1 Prospective Regional Commercial sites shall be evaluatedbased on the following criteria:

i. Forecasted changes in the total population of theanticipated market area (i.e. timing and scale of new

residential areas being developed).

ii. Compatibility with proposed or adopted policies.iii. The impact of the development on the street system

and its capacity to handle the increase in traffic.

iv. Demand for an employment base for a significantsector of the City.

v. Distance and physical separation from otherCommercial sites in the City.


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2-2E MIXED USE COMMERCIAL

This Plan identifies areas of the City where the location of

Commercial development is appropriate, but where such locationwill conflict with existing residential land uses, and where otherstrategic municipal interests such as employment centres or other

municipal priorities can be accommodated.

In order to promote the best combination of development proposals

in accordance with the Citys goals, developers are challenged to

create innovative hybrid land use schemes which capture viablecommercial markets, but create acceptable interfaces with

residential cells. Scale and architecture of buildings, specific

ranges of commercial uses, and blending of residential and

commercial uses within such sites shall be investigated within theCommunity Area Structure Plans for such sites.

POLICIES

2-2E.1 Developers of lands shown as Mixed Use Commercial in

this Plan shall provide for design and specific uses whichenhance the interface between conventional residential and

commercial cells.

2-3 INDUSTRIAL

The economic well being of the City of Airdrie islargely dependent on its ability to retain existing

industries and encourage new industrial growth to

locate in the community. The City is well positioned tomaintain a strong industrial base due to its access to

major road and rail transportation routes, as well as its

proximity to the Calgary International Airport. Thesefacilities provide easy, economical access to local,

regional and international markets making the City anattractive place for industry to locate. For Airdrie to

remain competitive, it is important that a supply ofindustrial land, serviced and unserviced, is continually

made available and appropriately marketed to the

business community.


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It is also important that the industrial activities that operate locallydo not adversely affect the lifestyle and enjoyment of the

residential sectors of the City. Direct access to major

transportation routes, adequate buffering and directing heavierindustrial uses away from residential areas shall ensure all land use

components of the community shall operate in relative harmony.

As a general rule the City shall promote the development of cleanlight industrial, light manufacturing, processing, warehouse,

distribution, office and high tech facilities, business parks and

warehouse retail developments. Heavier industrial proposals shallonly be contemplated where the proposed location ensures minimal

offsite effects to surrounding uses and traffic corridors.

POLICIES

2-3.1 Industrial land uses shall be directed to the lands in oradjacent to the existing industrial park in Northeast Airdrieand as lands become available, to the future south industrial

park adjacent to Highway No. 2. (see Figure 3).

2-3.2 At the Community Area Structure Plan stage, where

different categories of Industrial uses are contemplated,

these shall be clustered in distinct cells, rather than as

homogeneous industrial tracts.

2-3.3 Industrial areas shall be provided with direct linkages to

major transportation routes and mixing of industrial andresidential traffic shall be discouraged.

2-3.4 The City shall ensure the adequate provision of transit

routes linking residential areas with industrial development.

2-3.5 Industrial development should incorporate open space and

amenity areas for the benefit of the employees, and

sidewalks or pathways should be included to allow accessto all sites from future transit routes.

2-3.6 Industries which may be considered offensive by virtue ofnoxious emissions, noise, vibration or outside storage maybe restricted and may be required to incorporate certain

measures to ensure the integrity of surrounding areas are

not jeopardised.

2-3.7 Industrial development adjacent to existing or future

residential areas shall be subject to special controls,


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including screening, buffering, fencing, or other mitigatingmeasures, to ensure compatibility.

2-3.8 Industrial buildings visible from major transportation routesshall incorporate high standards of landscaping, lighting,

signage, exterior finish and architectural interest.

2-3.9 Existing industrial land uses located in areas other than

designated industrial parks shall be discouraged from

expanding and encouraged to relocate to more suitable

locations.


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2-4 PARKS, SCHOOLS AND OPEN SPACE

The provision of an attractive, multi-functional open space systemis a high priority for Airdrie residents. In order to meet the needs of

our community, the system must provide structured parkscontaining facilities for formal, high intensity recreationalactivities, unstructured parkland for spontaneous low

intensity recreational activities and natural areas for the

maintenance and protection of natural processes andobservation and interpretation of the natural landscape and

wildlife.

Further, as Airdrie is not provided with many natural

features which augment the supply of open space with

Environmental Reserves, the majority of the system must be

dedicated as either credit Municipal Reserves or PublicUtility Lots. Therefore, the available supply of open space in

Airdrie is limited. In order that the open space systems in the city

meet as many of our citizens needs as possible, the City mustencourage these systems to fulfil many functions within the urban

fabric:

Active Play Space Passive Recreation Space Natural Ecosystem Buffer Space and Ornamentation Schools and other Institutions Public Utility Functions

To maximize the benefit of its investment in open space, it is the

desire of the City of Airdrie to enhance all aspects of the open

space system to meet a variety of needs. Careful allocation ofreserves, efficiency in design, and the possibility of multiple

benefits from each square foot of land wherever feasible, allowingfor both activity and solitude, shall ensure that our open spaces are

at the same time functional, safe, attractive, and easy to maintain.

The Citys predominant natural feature, Nose Creek, holds centrestage in the Citys open space plans. In addition to providing for

many of the above needs, it is the Citys only significant wildlife

corridor. Respect for the natural environment as it appears in NoseCreek is of major interest to the public, as well as to our municipal

neighbours.


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POLICIES

2-4.1 The City of Airdrie shall update and maintainThe Urban Parks Master Plan detailing

development programs, timing and standardsfor the development of open space, parks andpathways.

2-4.2 Priority shall be given to the maintenance

and enhancement of Nose Creek and EastLake Park as Airdries principal natural

environments.

2-4.3 As development occurs, the Nose Creek open

space corridor shall be expanded so that it

forms a continuous parkway system betweenthe north and south limits of the City.

2-4.4 Environmental Reserve shall be provided as

required adjacent to and including majorwatercourses and drainage areas, and land

may be augmented with Municipal Reserve to

ensure the open space is functional andcontinuous pathway systems can be

constructed.

2-4.5 The City supports development of pathways

linking Airdrie with the M.D. of Rocky View and City ofCalgary via a continuous Nose Creek Park system.

2-4.6 New development areas shall provide linear parkwaysystems, where possible linking school sites, recreation

facilities and major open space areas such as Nose Creek to

the rest of the community.

2-4.7 The provision of regional and local pathways and local tot

lots or playgrounds shall be detailed in a park concept plan

approved by the Airdrie Regional Recreation Board at theNeighbourhood Area Structure Plan stage.

2-4.8 All open space areas and facilities shall be designed toenhance the safety and security for the individual and the

neighbourhood using generally accepted principles of

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design.


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2-4.9 Emphasis shall be placed on the provision of useable openspace when dedicating credit Municipal Reserve.

Walkways which solely provide connections between

streets and facilities shall be provided as part of the roadsystem or as Public Utility Lots.

2-4.10 Private open space and recreational facilities shall beencouraged to complement and augment the recreational

facilities and open space areas provided by the City of

Airdrie.

2-4.11 Major entry points into the City including the Highway 2

corridor should incorporate a higher level of landscaping

and serve as attractive entries into the community.

2-4.12 The City supports the preservation and enhancement of

publicly and privately owned trees and their contribution tothe Citys health and appearance.

2-4.13 Where storm water retention facilities are provided, they

shall be dedicated as public utility lots, designed to enhanceopen space and its usage as well as to avoid water

stagnation problems.

2-4.14 Portions of dry pond areas lying above the 1:5 year flood

elevation may be eligible for Municipal Reservecredit provided the location, design and

development coincide with the Citys open space

needs and concerns.

2-4.15 Where dry ponds are being considered in

conjunction with school sites, priority shall beafforded to school and recreational needs.

2-4.16 Dry pond areas may be eligible for partial reserve

dedication provided the location, design anddevelopment coincide with local needs and

concerns.


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2-4A SCHOOLS

The provision of a high-quality school system is anothercomponent of life style which has been identified as a high priority

for Airdries citizens. The City shall continue to provide its shareof this vital community need by ensuring a suitable supply of landfor schools is made available through the planning process.

The primary responsibility for the provision of schools andeducation to the residents of the City lies with the Rocky View

School Division No. 41 and the Calgary Roman Catholic Separate

School District No. 1. However, it is also recognized that there is alimited amount of public land available and that consideration to

public open space and parks must be given in addition to school

needs.

Communication between the Boards and between the Boards and

the City is essential to insure that the needs of the boards and the

community are met in an efficient manner. Facilities should bedeveloped with the goal of meeting community needs. Community

schools, where the need for bussing can be kept to a minimum, are

desirable.

New school sites and facilities should be designed and located in a

manner which maximises the opportunity for joint use of land and

buildings between both the community and the respective school

boards.

It is recognized that the complexities of capital funding for schools

create a special challenge for the two School Boards. The needs of

the student population are ever changing, often more rapidly thanthe ability to build new schools, or significantly modify existing

ones. Flexibility in all aspects of the planning of schools is vital if

these needs are to be addressed to the maximum benefit of theCitys student population without detrimental impact on the rest of

the community.

Where feasible, the City and the two School Boards are

encouraged to work in conjunction with the Municipal District of

Rocky View to insure that contributions are made toward the

acquisition and development of school sites in proportion to thenumber of Municipal District students who attend school in

Airdrie.


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Sites suitable for school use shall be shown in Community AreaStructure Plans to facilitate long term school planning needs as

well as to support good community design. School locations

shown in Community Area Structure Plans are encouraged toallow for joint use of sites by more than one school, sharing

facilities where appropriate.

The City shall maintain its reciprocal development, maintenance

and use agreements with the School Divisions to optimize the

benefits to the Boards and the community.

POLICIES

2-4A.1 All new developments or subdivisions shall consider theland requirements of the affected School Boards in the

development of their plans.

2-4A.2 The City and the two School Boards should develop a joint

school site planning committee to assist the City in locating

and allocating potential school sites.

2-4A.3 The City and the two School Boards should work together

to design school sites to maximize their benefit to all users,

while providing for efficiencies in operation andmaintenance.

2-4B COMMUNITY FACILITIES

The population of Airdrie and the surrounding area is well served

by a wide variety of quality recreation, leisure and cultural

amenities. These amenities enhance and contribute tothe quality of life that Airdrie residents enjoy. In terms

of our communitys image and identity, it is clear that

our recreation, leisure and cultural opportunities areoften cited as the drawing card for new residents. The

existing inventory of facilities and amenities (swimming

pool, arenas, performing arts theatre, splash park,soccer pitches, base-ball diamonds, paved pathways,

community hall, curling club, tennis courts and

museums) are meeting the community needs; however,

as growth occurs these facilities shall need of additions in the wayof complimentary and expanded services. This shall require

creative partnering and in-depth consultation with community to

plan and build for the future. As new residential developmentoccurs to the west, land shall be made available to accommodate


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the long term needs of the community and to ensure a balance offacilities and amenities to meet the varying needs. Municipally run

community facilities are expected to incorporate the concept of

user pay to cover ongoing maintenance and operating costs, andlook at unique partnerships to raise capital and/or provide new or

upgraded services in the future.

Currently the development and operation of facilities has been

made possible by partnerships/co-operation between the City and

community groups and organizations. The Citys history and

tradition of community participation and partnership in facilitydevelopment should be celebrated and fostered. It is essential that

long range planning take place which identifies and makes

provision for future needs. The quality, character and desirabilityof a community is demonstrated through the quality of and

commitment to community facilities. The City shall provide these

services itself or in partnership with the private sector or otherparties.

Institutional land uses include activities related to recreation,

health, welfare, educational, religious and government or relateduses and activities. These may appear within the General Urban

Use sectors of the City, as well as in the downtown commercial

core. Others may have much higher or specialized landrequirements and, therefore, must be identified separately.

POLICIES

2-4B.1 The City shall develop and maintain a 10 Year Capital Plan

to provide for the assessment of community needs andprioritize facility construction in accordance with the Citys

financial resources.

2-4B.2Wherever possible, major community facilities should belocated on municipally owned land other than dedicated

reserves thereby maximising the amount of open space and

green area available for use by the citizens of Airdrie.

2-4B.3 Facilities such as baseball diamonds and soccer pitchesshould be provided as need and support is demonstratedand may form part of the overall open space plan and

municipal reserve dedication.

2-4B.4 The City shall proactively pursue community and corporateparticipation and support in the development of new and

expanded community facilities.


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2-4B.5 The City shall promote and support development of cultural

facilities to coincide with population growth.

2-4B.6 The City shall continue to support a centrally located

library facility and provide for expansion in response topopulation growth.

2-4B.7 Sites for religious assemblies shall be located so as to

reduce traffic and parking impacts on adjacent development

while still providing community access and support. Wherethese facilities are developed in General Urban Use lands,

they shall incorporate a high standard of landscaping and

design.

2-4B.8 Institutional uses shall be of a scale and character that

complements the established or proposed use of thesurrounding area.

2-4B.9 At the Community Area Structure Plan level, the City shall

make provision for Emergency Services facilities asidentified in theEmergency Services Master Plan.

2-4B.10The City shall work in conjunction with all agencies tofacilitate and/or develop programs and facilities for

informal youth oriented activities.

2-5 AGRICULTURAL OPERATIONS

Effective April 30, 2002, section 632(3)(f) of the Municipal

Government Act required that all Municipal Development Planscontain policies respecting the protection of agricultural operations

as defined by the Agricultural Operations Practices Act. As an

urban municipality, the City of Airdries Land Use Bylaw does notdesignate specifically an Agriculture land use category. However,

there are various agricultural uses occurring on lands annexed and

reserved by the City for long term urban growth purposes. Suchuses are both permitted (extensive agriculture) and discretionary

(intensive agricultural) in nature and it is the intent of the City to

allow such lands to be retained for agricultural production for as

long as possible.

In addition, it is important to note that the City of Airdrie /

Municipal District of Rocky View Intermunicipal DevelopmentPlan provides the mechanism through which planning issues on


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lands bordering both municipalities are addressed. Throughpolices contained in the City of Airdrie / Municipal District ofRocky View Intermunicipal Development Plan, additional policies

with respect to the subdivision and development of agriculturalland both within and adjacent to the City is provided. Such

policies provide additional protection to existing agriculturaloperations in and around the city.

POLICES

2-5.1 The City of Airdrie shall respect existing agriculturaloperations until such time that those lands are required for

urban growth purposes.


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PART 3

TRANSPORTATION AND UTILITIES

3-1 UTILITIES, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE

Utility services within the City of Airdrie fall under two categories.

Public utilities include those services provided by the City and

operated in a self-sustaining fashion, such as the water supplysystem, as well as the sanitary sewerage system and municipal

waste. Other utilities are provided by private companies under

agreement with the City. These private companies often work witheach other in the sharing of line assignments and rights-of-way.

The private utility services are all capable of extending existing

services to accommodateanticipated growth within the City. Allutility companies co-operate with the City in reviewing subdivision

and development plans in the early planning stages to ensure

sufficient capacity can be made available and that locations fortheir facilities can be established.

POLICIES

3-1.1 All new development areas shall be required to be serviced

by all utilities including municipal services and privateutilities. The location of these utilities is to be identified at

the earliest possible time in the planning process. The Cityshall strive to insure that utility easements and rights of

way are located in a manner which maximises utilisation,

respects the natural environment and enhances theopportunity for the rights of way to complement the open

space system.

3-1.2 Developers shall be solely responsible for the installation ofservices to municipal standards necessary to service their

development. Oversizing of utilities with cost recovery may

be required to facilitate future development. Contributions

to trunk services through off-site levies are reviewedperiodically and shall be determined through the

development agreement process for a specific area.

3-1.3 The sizing of sanitary sewer and water facilities shall be

based on the ultimate patterns of development within thevarious catchment and pressure zone areas. Consideration

for continuous development shall be designed for.


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3-1.4 No new development shall be permitted until such time as

utilities and transportation facilities can be provided in an

adequate and cost effective manner or unless all costsassociated with the provision of such services are borne by

the landowner.

3-1.5 New development shall not be allowed on lands that are not

contiguous to existing development or within 300 metres

(as measured along the length of the facilities in question)

of existing municipal servicing capacity, as determined bythe City, and subject to Part I, Section D of this Plan.

3-1.6 Generally, all new development shall incorporateunderground services into the design.

3-1.7 Utility rights-of-way and public utility lots shall beprovided at the time of subdivision.

3-1.8 Special setback requirements from high pressure pipelines

or substations shall be respected and incorporated intosubdivision design, and new development is encouraged to

incorporate existing facilities into the subdivision design.

3-1.9 Utility companies are encouraged to maximise utilisation of

rights of way and service trenches. Facilities shall becreatively designed and located to provide linear open

space connections and be as inconspicuous as possible.


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3-2 STORM WATER RETENTION, DRAINAGE AND

FLOOD MITIGATION

The urbanization and development of land results in changes to

natural drainage systems, thereby increasing the amount ofoverland flow during rainstorms. The situation has impacts on thenatural water courses in the area in terms of wildlife habitat,

flooding and pollution. The City recognises that adequate

mitigation measures must be instituted to reduce the negativeimpacts on the natural and built environment.

Runoff within the City is currently discharged either directly intoNose Creek or through variousstorm retention systems. The

capacity of these systems is limited and alternatives must be

incorporated to improve the environment of these ecologically

sensitive areas and prevent the need for costly remedialimprovements. It is mandatory that the City of Airdrie regulate the

rate and quality of flow from new development areas to preserve

the existing systems and limit municipal liability. Additional issuesand objectives relating to storm water retention and drainage

are contained in the City of Airdrie Environmental

Management System Manual, and the City of Airdrie Master

Drainage Study.

The Nose Creek drainage basin incorporates an area of

approximately 100 square kilometres. In 1993 Environment

Canada carried out a Hydraulic Study of Nose Creek in theCity of Airdrie to delineate the floodway and flood fringe

within the Cities Boundaries. This study was augmented by

the Federal/Provincial Flood Damage Reduction Programme

in 1997 which updated the flood risk maps pertaining to theCity. Together, these documents shall be used as tools to evaluate

and make recommendations regarding developments proposed

within the Nose Creek corridor. In addition, the citys obligationsunder the Intermunicipal Development Plan shall be considered.

POLICIES

3-2.1 Direct runoff into Nose Creek from new developments

shall not be permitted.

3-2.2 All developments shall be required to institute measures to

restrict flow and siltation in a manner suitable to the City

and Alberta Environment.


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3-2.3 New developments shall install storm water retentionfacilities as a means of preventing direct drainage to

existing watercourses. Stormwater lakes shall be dedicated

as public utility lots.

3-2.4 Stormwater retention sites shall be designed to enhanceopen space and its usage as well as to avoid waterstagnation problems.

3-2.5 The location and need for snow storage facilities should be

addressed through a storm water management plan andareas should be provided through the planning process.

3-2.6 The city shall explore and,where deemed appropriate,encourage the use of naturalised wetland and wet pond

areas as treatment for storm water in new development

areas.

3-2.7 Commercial and Industrial developments shall treat all

storm water originating on site by installing oil and grit

separators as prescribed in the City of Airdrie Sewer Bylawand relevant servicing standards.

3-3 TRANSPORTATION

An efficient transportation system in Airdrie is crucial to

the desirability of the community as a place to live andwork, both in terms of intra-urban movements and in

Airdrie's case, commuter movements to other centres.

The City has little control over local roads in the M.D. of

Rocky View or for highways outside of its boundaries andmust rely on co-operation with other authorities to ensure

that everyone benefits from the regional road system. The

Intermunicipal Development Plan provides forcooperation with the MD of Rocky view in the planning

of the road system, where intermunicipal interests are

identified.

Internally, it is incumbent upon Council to insure that safe, well

maintained traffic flow is provided within the City and to

connections with the regional road system. To this end, Airdriehas developed theAirdrie Transportation Study to guide long term

growth and transportation requirements.


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In addition to road systems, parking control and pedestrian orbicycle pathway systems must form part of the overall

transportation plan. Increasing public awareness in the

environment as well as increased emphasis on leisure activitysuggest that pathway systems be incorporated into transportation

corridors where reserve and open space is not available for thatpurpose. An efficient road system is of no value if parking areasare not available when a destination is reached. As such, parking

standards developed in relation to anticipated traffic flows and

alternative modes of transport form an important component of the

overall transportation system. In all developed transportationsystems, handicapped accessibility shall always be a design

consideration.

In considering options for meeting future transportation needs

serious consideration should be given to developing a commuter

rail link to the City of Calgary. The City of Airdrie is ideallylocated in terms of the location of the Canadian Pacific rail line

and the potential to establish a link with the City of Calgary light

rail transit system. The development of a transit terminus station

could serve as the catalyst for the development of a newcommercial/residential node. Long range planning initiatives must

address the need to incorporate higher density developments in

association with future commuter rail stations.

POLICIES

3-3.1 The Airdrie Transportation Study and updates shall be the

primary document used in determining the overalltransportation network within the City of Airdrie.

3-3.2 The Airdrie Transportation Study shall be reviewed on aregular basis and updated as required to ensure its policy

and direction remain current with the needs and financial

capabilities of the municipality.

3-3.3 The City shall ensure that the development of

transportation facilities is co-ordinated with the

development of new areas and address the location, typeand intensity of the land uses and density or distribution of

the population.

3-3.4 The planning, design and construction of all major

roadways shall be undertaken in a manner to minimise the

effects of noise, fumes and traffic hazards on existing andfuture residential development. Emphasis on community


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well being and aesthetics is encouraged in addition tostandard engineering requirements.

3-3.5 School Boards are encouraged to consider the movementsof school buses adjacent to residential areas and within

individual school sites when making requests for new sitesat CASP and subdivision review stages.

3-3.6 The City shall maintain a standard of roadways appropriate

to the intended use. Variation of City standards may be

approved in circumstances provided supportingdocumentation is submitted to justify the proposed changes

and where the changes complement the development of a

unique community.

3-3.7 Land requirements for major arterial roadways, highways

and required interchanges, shall be protected. (See Figure5)

3-3.8 The City shall work with the M.D. of Rocky View and the

City of Calgary to protect road allowances within theIntermunicipal Plan Area for use as potential major urban

roadways.

3-3.9 The City shall continue to foster and promote transportation

strategies which make more efficient use of existingfacilities and reduce environmental impact (e.g. commuter

rail link, public transit, car pooling, pathways).

3-3.10 Establishment of a municipal parking authority should be

considered to expand control over the supply and use of

parking facilities in the main commercial areas.

3-3.11 All new developments are expected to provide adequate

off-street parking. Cash-in-lieu of parking requirements

may be allowed in consideration of the development'saccess to public transit or municipal parking facilities.

3-3.12 The City shall consider the establishment of a long rangeplan for non -motorised transportation to be incorporated

into the over all transportation plan, to identify future

connections and required rights of way and infrastructure.

3-3.13 Road rights-of-way should make provision for landscaping,

tree planting and walkway or pathway systems. Pathwaysform part of the overall transportation system and therefore


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shall be dedicated as part of the road rights-of-way. Roadsand pathways should be constructed simultaneously.

3-3.14 The City shall develop and maintain a sign Bylaw whichco-ordinates and controls the development of commercial

advertising signs and structures on lands borderingprovincial highways and arterial roads. Any advertisingwhich is approved should be in keeping with a co-ordinated

theme which enhances the Citys image.

3-3.15 Where appropriate the City shall review and incorporatetraffic calming techniques and design standards which

slow traffic and enhance safety.

3-3.16 The City shall review measures to restrict or eliminate on

street parking in appropriate areas as part of an

investigation of revised road standards.

3-3.17 The Highway 2 Corridor through Airdrie should be

evaluated with the goal of enhancing the appearance of this

corridor. Provisions for information pull outs, directionalsigns landscaping and entrance features should be

evaluated and implemented in conjunction with the

Province.

3-3.18 Future transportation planning initiatives shall address theneed to improve east-west pedestrian and traffic circulation.

Emphasis shall be placed on improving movements across

Highway 2 and the railway tracks

3-3.19 All new developments shall incorporate wheel chair and

stroller access.

3-3A NOISE

The urban development pattern results in a number of situations

and activities that produce ambient noise levels above what isnormally acceptable to human comfort. Excessive noise levels

reduce the quality of life and attraction of people to certain areas if

exposure is not controlled.

In the City of Airdrie, three major noise pollutants must be

factored into construction practices and land use design. Major

road systems, particularly Highway No. 2, produce high noiselevels 24 hours a day. In addition, rail traffic may produce


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unacceptable noise levels intermittently throughout the day andnight.

Most of Airdrie is outside the Airport Vicinity Protection Area ofthe Calgary International Airport but may still be affected at

certain times or under certain atmospheric conditions. In additionthe Airdrie Airport has noise generation potential. Future growthareas and development must be cognisant of flight patterns from

both airports. It is the intention of the City of Airdrie to ensure its

residents are protected from the effects of these noise sources as

well as other noise generators consistent with an urban lifestyle.

POLICIES

3-3A.1 New residential developments should be concentrated away

from existing and proposed major transportation routes.

3-3A.2 Where necessary, new developments shall incorporate

berms, fencing, landscaping or a combination of all three in

order to mitigate excessive noise levels. The aesthetics of

the area shall be taken into consideration when determiningappropriate measures.

3-3A.3 Developers are encouraged to incorporate design featuresinto neighbourhoods and individual buildings which reduce

the impact and broadcast of excessive noise levels.

3-3A.4 The City shall maintain a liaison with other authorities with

regard to expansion plans or usage changes of theInternational Airport and Airdrie aerodrome to ensure such

changes do not have a negative impact on the lifestyles of

Airdrie residents.


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3-3B PUBLIC TRANSIT

Since 1992, when the City disposed of its full transit system,transit service has been provided in the form of a Dial-a-bus

service. Nevertheless, in the future, the City may need to considerthe return of a full transit system. Provision should be made in theplanning of roadways and pedestrian connections to accommodate

future transit options.

In light of the significant amount of commuter traffic which takes

place between Airdrie and the City of Calgary, opportunities for

developing a commuter rail link with the City of Calgary should beevaluated. Future planning should incorporate adequate land and

right of way so that the development of such a link is not unduly

encumbered land adjacent to the future corridor should be zoned to

accommodate complementary uses and adequate parking.

POLICIES

3-3B.1 Transit routes within the City shall be maintained and

updated as required to ensure continued public access

between neighbourhoods and major destinations.

3-3B.2 Walkways from and through residential areas to bus routes

should be incorporated into the design of the areas to

maintain distances to transit stops or stations within

acceptable limits.

3-3B.3 The location of major trip generators and attractions should

be such that it optimises transit routes and their extensions.

3-3B.4 Land shall be identified in the central core for the future

development of an inter-urban transit facility. The site

should be capable of handling buses in the short term andultimately be capable of facilitating rail or light rail

commuter services. The City shall endeavour to secure land

adjacent to the tracks for this purpose.

3-3B.5 Transit facilities and services should make provision for

handicapped or special needs access.


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3-4 WASTE MANAGEMENT

Urban communities tend to generate more waste material than the

immediate environment is capable of handling and as such,disposal facilities must be created to handle the volume of

material. The City of Airdrie views waste disposal as a challengeand is intent on reducingtheamount of waste going for disposal in

municipal landfills to 500 kilograms per capita per year by the year2010, for the benefit of its residents' quality of life, surrounding

communities and the natural environment as a whole. Airdrie shall

continue to take a leadership role and be exemplary in the area ofwaste management. The City of Airdrie Environmental

Management System Manual provides objectives and direction in

the area of waste management. The City shall continue itscommitment to recycling and seek partnerships with surrounding

municipalities.

POLICIES

3-4.1 The City of Airdrie shall continue to transfer solid wastes

to landfill facilities. Options for reducing the volume ofwaste and alternative waste management and disposal

options shall be investigated and where feasible pursued.

3-4.2 The City shall actively promote waste reduction through

public education, recycling and composting programs, userpay and, if required, by-law controls.

3-4.3 The City shall ensure that adequate sites are provided forrecycling collection stations through its ongoing

subdivision and development reviews.

3-4.4 The City shall monitor need and encourage thedevelopment of storage and sorting areas in industrial

districts for recyclable materials.

3-4.5 The City shall support and work with private enterprise and

local authorities in the development of environmentally

friendly and less land intensive solid waste managementprojects or systems.

3-4.6 Where feasible, the City shall ensure facilities for liquid

and hazardous waste transfer are provided to meet theneeds of local residents.


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3-4.7 The City shall actively pursue partnerships and initiativeswith surrounding municipalities in areas of waste reduction,

recycling and other environmental initiatives.

3-4.8 The City through its business activities and operations shall

strive to be a leader in areas of waste reduction, recyclingand other environmental initiatives.

3-4.9 The City shall promote and encourage backyardcomposting by residents. In addition efforts shall be made

to establish and operate a centralized composting facility tohandle compostable materials generated through city

operations and to provide for composting of larger volumes

of compostable materials generated by residents.


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PART 4

IMPLEMENTATION

4-1 HIERARCHY OF PLANS

POLICIES

4-1.1 When annexation of new lands occurs, The City of Airdrieshall prepare a Growth Area Management Plans for the

annexed lands as a prelude to the acceptance of Community

Area Structure Plans and/or Neighbourhood Structure Planssubmitted on behalf or by Landowners and developers.

4-1.2 Growth Area Management Plans refer to large blocks of

land, and shall address, among other things:

Community Vision and Priorities Topographic considerations Access and Servicing considerations General Land Use Categorization (land split

between Urban Residential and Urban Non-

residential( Open Space, Industrial, Commercialand Public)

4-1.3 Community Area Structure Plans and NeighbourhoodStructure Plans shall be prepared by the City or its

designate in accordance with The City of AirdrieGuidelines

for the Preparation of Area Structure Plans, available fromthe Citys Planning Department.

4.1.4 Community Area Structure Plans shall be considered by theCity where they are deemed by City Council to meet the

Citys strategic priorities, long range plans and policies,

and where they promote the orderly and economic

development of the City.

4.1.5 Outline Plans are renamed Neighbourhood Structure Plansand may be the subject of a bylaw approved by CityCouncil.

4-1.6 Outline Plans in existence prior to the adoption of theAirdrie City Plan shall continue to be in effect.


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4-2 THE LAND USE BYLAW

The Land Use Bylaw and the associated Land Use Map are

important tools used in the implementation of the policies andstandards in the Airdrie City Plan. Some revisions to the Bylaw

may be required to fully enact and enforce the policies adopted inthis Plan. In general, any proposed resolution considered by

Council, application for subdivision or development must beconsistent with the land use policies and design guidelines set out

in the Airdrie City Plan.

4-3 INTERMUNICIPAL PLANNING

In

appendix 8: airdrie city plan (part 2)

Documents