In the run up to the 2017 election, we asked our readers and listeners what issues matter most to them. Every day, we ask candidates for their thoughts on healthcare, growth, traffic, city facilities, downtown, and the other issues important to their campaign. Today, Tanveer Taj addresses your issues.

Council candidate Tanveer Taj is a recent transplant to Airdrie, but he wants to do his part to serve the city by winning a spot on City Council.

Taj said a huge development related to Airdrie's rapid growth is an increase in multiculturalism. Coming from Calgary, Taj has seen firsthand that sometimes the concerns of people in the South Asian or other communities are not heard. Taj does not want to cater to the needs of any one group but wants to build bridges between all communities residing in Airdrie.

Taj also said as the city grows, we need to plan ahead. With the possibility that Airdrie's population could nearly double in the next seven years, Airdrie needs to attract business and expand infrastructure.

When it comes to traffic issues, Taj sees a need for more bridges and overpasses.

"I think there's a need to have better planning, better exits out of the city and into the city in this regard."

Taj also thinks there is a need for better planning, so that existing roads are expanded and new roads are built large from the beginning.

A critical need for Taj is the library. He said he was at the Airdrie Public Library recently, and the space is not sufficient to accommodate programs.

"I think we do require the library to be expanded, and perhaps if possible moved to a location where we can have additional parking or extra parking for visitors."

Taj said a future library needs to have multi-purpose rooms that can accommodate various meetings and programs. He also thinks there is a possibility the the Bert Church Theatre might need to be expanded to facilitate the number of programs and events that want to use the space. As Airdrie grows, Taj believes the city will also need to address the need for more recreational facilities.

As for downtown, Taj thinks Airdrie needs a defined core. This would be one way to differentiate the city from its larger neighbour.

"We are not a shadow of Calgary, but we are a city of its own, and I think we must have a downtown that we can say is downtown Airdrie."

Taj said the next Council must push towards the expansion and beautification of downtown, working with business owners as they move forward. An improved downtown would attract more visitors into Airdrie.

Finally, Taj said the reason his family moved to Airdrie in the first place was the excellent education system. If elected, he would like to continue to support the local education system to ensure Airdrie schools continue to excel.

 

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