Airdrie continues to be one of the fastest growing municipalities in Canada, and a spate of new and upcoming communities continue to attract new homebuyers for their relative affordability.

Airdrie’s population rose from 61,581 in 2016 to 74,100 in 2021, a 20.3 per cent increase. This year, the City of Airdrie released its census results showing that, as of April 1st, the city’s population has swelled to over 90,000, indicating that 4,239 new residents moved to the city just last year.

The number of dwellings also increased to 31,848, a 6.69 per cent increase from last year. Further growth is a sure thing, as the provincial government is predicting that Alberta will add around 2 million more residents over the next 27 years. And Airdrie will surely be part of that equation.

“Airdrie is a top choice for commuters seeking more space and affordability without compromising quality of life,” says Excel Homes Marketing Manager, Kristina Plank. “The city offers a welcoming, family-friendly vibe, excellent schools, year-round community events, and a growing selection of restaurants, shops, and recreational amenities.”

New communities abound

Excel Homes builds in two of Airdries fastest growing communities in Chinook Gate and Cobblestone Creek. But there is a wide variety to choose from in Airdrie, as new communities continue to sprout around it.

There is plenty of new growth along the western edges of Airdrie where Chinook Gate (by Brookfield Residential), and Cobblestone Creek (by Melcor) are the more established. There is also Wildflower by Minto Group that just opened their latest single-family and multi-family showhomes, Key Ranch by Lamont Group that is well into their first phase, and Sawgrass Park by Hopewell Residential that is also well underway. Coming up later this year is Vantage Rise by Qualico Communities.

Vantage Rise is Qualico’s second development in this bustling city just north of Calgary after the well-established community of Ravenswood. It will have a total of 160 acres (65 hectares) and will be built out in four phases and will house roughly 1,200 homes and 3,000+ residents upon completion. Home types will include Front Garage Homes, Laned Homes, Townhomes, and multi-family housing. Launch date is coming soon.

New home opportunities

Last spring, the exciting, young community of Chinook Gate in Airdrie celebrated its latest phase with the opening of new laned and front-drive garage showhomes from Brookfield Residential, Excel Homes and McKee Homes.

Excel Homes showcases the grand 2,419 sq. ft. Collingwood IIshowhome here, with 4 bedrooms, a main floor office, spice kitchen, and upper floor bonus room for privacy. The basement includes two additional bedrooms, full bath, and wet bar. “Also in Chinook Gate is our Berkley laned show home, 1,880 sq. ft. of bright, open-concept living with a modern kitchen, rear flex room, upper floor bonus room, laundry, two bedrooms, and a private primary retreat,” Plank says.

Cobblestone Creek also opened new showhomes last spring, including from Douglas Homes, Excel Homes, Shane Homes and Rohit Homes.

It also boasts easy access to the Chinook Winds Park but also offers some vibrant amenities of its own, including the new basketball and pickleball courts, ideal for staying active close to home,” Plank says.

In Cobblestone Creek, Excel Homes has the stunning Mason II showhome, a 2,258 sq. ft., 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home designed for modern living. The main floor offers a flex room, upgraded kitchen with coffee station pantry, and a full-height fireplace in the great room.

Find out more about this community at liveincobblestone.com, and more about Excel Homes at exchelhomes.ca.

Minto Group is the developer and exclusive builder in Wildflower and like the city - it is growing at a rapid pace. It just opened the new showhomes for its Marigold 5 front-drive garage home, as well as for its new townhomes.

Wildflower is a “complete community” slated to have 2,300+ doors. Its diverse housing options include spacious single-family homes, townhomes, and condos. “These options are designed to accommodate individuals and families at various life stages, ensuring that Wildflower remains an inclusive community accessible to everyone,” says Minto Marketing Manager, Anu Henke.

Growing with the times

With the rapid growth comes challenges, but Airdrie is seeming to cope. It just opened the 40th Avenue Interchange to the QEII that improves commute times to Calgary. The $65 million project is hailed as a major milestone as it will connect communities, enhance safety and boost economic development.

Even with its rapid growth, Airdrie has worked to maintain its small-town heart through their numerous festivals and events. A long-time favourite is the Airdrie Festival of Lights that has been running for the entire month of December for two decades. Newer to Airdrie is the Airdrie Children’s Festival, a two-day event in May that is quickly becoming a favourite for visitors and residents.

Additionally, one of Alberta’s biggest shopping malls, CrossIron Mills, is just a short drive from Airdrie, and the city itself has its own retinue of independent and big box stores that offer tons of convenience to residents.