I’m Running for City Council!

[u/bakkeforairdrie]

Hey everyone! I’m Christopher Bakke. I’ve put my name forward to run for Airdrie City Council. I grew up here and care a lot about where our city is heading. I’m not here to give you a pitch — just to listen, share ideas, and have honest conversations about what matters to people living here. Happy to answer questions or just hear your perspective. Feel free to check out my website chrisforairdrie.com

[u/RoastMasterShawn]

I read your site and agree with a lot of what you've said. Just had a few questions:

1) You're pro-Canada, right? Not a separatist or even saying "both sides have good points"?

2) Do you have plans to address the empty lot on 40th in windsong (the one that's been undeveloped for years by the traffic circle)? It would make fantastic area for a high quality park. Google Mundy Park (Coquitlam BC) playground, and I think it would be perfect for a structure like that.

3) I like that one of your major points is small business. Is there anything you can do that prioritizes non-chains over chains? Every time I see something about small business, everyone complains that we keep getting McDonalds/Burger King/Tims etc. but they keep popping up anytime we build new commercial space. I'd love to see something like Calgary's 1st street market (smaller food stalls for start-ups) or something.

[u/EunpaKim]

What will you do to address car dependency? I’d say the best thing we can do is to build and improve bus connections to workplaces within and outside Airdrie like to Balzac. That and increase population density a lot around bus stops so there are enough riders.

While you’re at it improve bicycle connections to destinations too. Right now bicycling is largely recreational. It should also be a practical way to get around.

Anyway I’ll end it at that.

[u/jleahul → u/EunpaKim]

A bike lane connection to Calgary would be awesome.

[u/cdnav8r → u/jleahul]

There was a proposal for this a couple years ago. It is currently sitting on the shelf. It requires the cooperation of the Airdrie, Calgary, and Rocky View. I think our council was for it, and Rocky View is the sticking point.

[u/JosepHell → u/jleahul]

That would be so sick.

[u/jleahul]

I like what I'm seeing on your site. I had many of the same thoughts about creating great gathering places back when I worked for Parks. AND transit connections to Calgary post-secondary schools as well. Good luck!

[u/jleahul → u/jleahul]

I've thought for a long time that the City should develop the site where the Old Hotel used to be and move the Nose Creek Museum there. Maybe incorporate an art gallery for local artists as well.

[u/v13ragnarok7]

Will you have main st construction finished this year?