Will Airdrie Alberta Join Calgary in the Future?

As of the latest updates in August 2023, there are no official plans or proposals for Airdrie Alberta to become part of Calgary. Airdrie is an independent city located just north of Calgary, and it maintains its own municipal government and administration. This independence is rooted in its rapid growth and established infrastructure.

Current Standings and History

Airdrie, a city that declared itself a city in 1986, has grown rapidly over the years. It currently has a population of over 100,000 people, with its own comprehensive municipal structures such as city council, RCMP units, and public transit. Historically, smaller communities like Bowness or Forest Lawn were annexed by Calgary. However, the circumstances and scale of Airdrie are significantly different. Being a much larger and more established municipality, it is very unlikely that Airdrie will be annexed by Calgary anytime soon.

Future Prospects and Development

While Airdrie and Calgary are expected to grow closer together, it is very safe to say that Airdrie will not join the city's municipality. The proximity to Calgary's city limits does not necessarily mean annexation. In the past, other municipalities have been annexed into Calgary, but current trends and developments suggest a different outcome for Airdrie.

It is important to note that there are numerous examples around the world of cities that share borders but do not undergo annexation. Large metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Toronto, Vancouver, New York, Dubai, and many European and Japanese cities continue to develop without formally merging into each other.

Strategic Implications and Potential Border Sharing

While Airdrie is unlikely to be annexed by Calgary, there may be strategic implications for the city limits. It’s possible that the city limits may eventually border each other, which could restrict the expansion of Calgary further north and Airdrie further south. This could result in a more defined boundary between the two cities, which may impact the provision of services and infrastructure in both areas.

A potential future scenario could be the annexation of the hamlet of Balzac, which is part of the MD of Rockyview, into Calgary, if Airdrie does not annex first. This illustrates how such decisions can be influenced by various local and regional dynamics.

The rapid development and strategic planning of Airdrie will continue to play a significant role in determining its future relationship with Calgary. For the most up-to-date information on this topic, it is advisable to check local news sources or municipal announcements.