Thank You
Though the campaign has come to a close and the results weren’t what we hoped for, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the people of Airdrie.
This journey has been transformative. Running for City Council allowed me to grow as a community member, to listen more deeply, and to learn from the incredible diversity of voices that make our city so special. I’ve met residents from all walks of life, each with stories, ideas, and passions that have left a lasting impact on me.
Thank you to everyone who shared their time, their trust, and their perspectives throughout this campaign. I’m so grateful for the conversations, the encouragement, and the chance to learn from so many of you.
To my beautiful wife Leah and our two girls, thank you for your love, your patience, and your belief in me. To my family, I wouldn’t have made it this far without your love and support. To my supporters and fellow candidates, you made this journey rich with connection, purpose, and growth.
And thank you to the City of Airdrie for helping me grow through this process. This experience has deepened my commitment to our city and strengthened my belief in what’s possible when we come together.
I’m proud of what we built, and I’m excited for what’s ahead.
Maybe we’ll meet again in 2029.
With gratitude,
Christopher Bakke
Transparent and Accountable
Governance
Transparent and accountable governance means making decisions that people can see, understand, and trust. It’s about sharing information openly, listening to residents, and being honest about both progress and challenges. Accountability means leaders take responsibility for their actions and follow through on commitments. When governance is clear and inclusive, it builds trust and strengthens the relationship between the community and those who serve it.
In today’s digital age, we have the opportunity to make city life more connected, efficient, and inclusive. I believe in championing a universal multiaccess city app, an all-in-one platform that empowers residents to engage with their community and access essential services with ease.
This app would bring together practical tools like:
• Waste collection schedules
• Utility bill payments
• Real time updates on city projects
• Easy reporting for issues like potholes or outages
Beyond convenience, it would serve as a hub for civic participation. Residents could vote on community art installations, weigh in on local programs, and help shape initiatives through digital feedback. Facility hours, transit schedules, and event registration would be just a tap away.
To ensure this platform works for everyone, it would prioritize multiaccess, making services available to all residents, regardless of age, ability, or digital literacy. AI assisted transit booking tools could help individuals with mobility challenges, language barriers, or limited internet access schedule rides easily and independently. This kind of inclusive design ensures that no one is left behind in our city’s digital transformation.
Active Youth Initiative
Our youth aren’t just the leaders of tomorrow, they’re an important part of Airdrie today. Yet too often, their voices go unheard in decisions that directly impact their lives.
Through the Active Youth Initiative, I’m committed to creating meaningful opportunities for young people to engage with local government. I envision a space where students from Airdrie’s schools can come together to represent their communities, share ideas, and discuss the issues that matter most to them.
This initiative isn’t about adults speaking for youth, it’s about giving youth a platform to speak for themselves. By encouraging dialogue between students and city leaders, we can build stronger policies and a more inclusive future.
Another key focus is improving transit accessibility for youth, especially those pursuing post secondary education or training in Calgary. Expanding and enhancing Airdrie’s transit options can remove barriers, create more opportunities, and ensure that students are supported as they take the next steps in their lives.
Airdrie’s young people deserve a seat at the table because their insight, energy, and vision are vital to shaping the kind of city we all want to live in.
Family Growth and Generational Success
I believe that strong communities begin with strong families and that means planning not just for today, but for tomorrow. Our city is growing, and with that growth comes the responsibility to ensure that every generation has the support and resources they need to thrive.
We must start thinking long-term: if that means slowing down housing until the city infastructure can catch up, creating policies and infrastructure that support generational growth. That includes affordable housing options for young families, accessible transit and educational resources for students, and compassionate, well funded services for our aging citizens. Seniors deserve to age with dignity and connection, and students deserve pathways to opportunity that don’t require leaving the community they love.
I also want to champion the promotion and expansion of local amenities, parks, recreation centers, community gathering points, and family-friendly programming that make our neighborhoods vibrant and inclusive. These aren’t just perks; they’re investments in the social fabric of our city.
By prioritizing family growth and planning for the future, we can build a city that welcomes every stage of life, fosters belonging, and ensures no one gets left behind.
Long-term Business Development
A thriving local economy starts with empowered small businesses but in our city, the lack of a central shopping district has made it difficult for entrepreneurs to gain visibility, foot traffic, and long-term sustainability. Without a defined commercial hub, businesses are scattered, disconnected, and often overlooked by residents who would otherwise support them.
This gap doesn’t just affect entrepreneurs, it also limits opportunities for local part-time and summer employment. A strong business corridor would create valuable jobs for students, youth, and residents looking for flexible work, while also supporting families and keeping money circulating in our community.
I believe it’s time to explore a feasibility study focused on developing a centralized business corridor along Main Street. This study would assess the potential for creating a vibrant, walkable district that brings together retail, dining, services, and community spaces. It would also examine zoning, infrastructure needs, parking, accessibility, and how to attract investment while preserving the character of our city.
By investing in a cohesive business development strategy, we can create a destination that not only supports local entrepreneurs but also provides meaningful part-time and summer employment, encourages community engagement, and keeps spending within our own economy. It’s not just about storefronts, it’s about building a sense of place, pride, and opportunity for all.
