Karen For Change
Candidate for Airdrie City Council 2025 Election
Karen has called Airdrie home for the past 10 years. She’s a proud mom of three, part of a hardworking blue-collar family, and married to an immigrant who shares her love for this community. Like many residents, she wants to see our city grow in ways that truly support the people who live here. It’s time to pause unchecked expansion and focus on the present — making sure Airdrie catches up with the rapid growth we’ve already experienced.
Over the years, Karen has seen Airdrie struggle to keep up—whether it’s our infrastructure, recreation opportunities, schools, or the way decisions are communicated and bylaws are handled. Instead of watching things fall behind, she’s ready to step forward.
Karen believes real change starts with everyday people getting involved. Her goal is to bring a fresh voice to City Council—one that listens, represents families and neighbourhoods, and pushes for a ward system so every community feels heard.
“Airdrie has been caught between being a small town and a big city for too long. It’s time to decide who we are—and to create a community where all residents can thrive.”
Karen isn’t a career politician. She’s your neighbour, your teammate at the kids’ soccer game, and someone who wants the best for Airdrie’s future.
Karen Whittenbury for City Council – because change starts with us.
Karen's Priorities
Infrastructure and Planning, Accessible Recreation and Community Spaces, Open and Accountable Communication from City Hall and City Staff and fairer representation through a Ward System.
"We need to have a good foundation to have a prosperous future"
-Karen Whittenbury
1. Stronger Infrastructure & Planning
Airdrie has grown fast, but our roads, public spaces, and services haven’t kept up.
The rapid growth Airdrie has seen over the last two years has placed real strain on our city’s systems and services. This pace of change has made it harder for residents to feel connected and heard. Karen is stepping forward to ensure that community voices are at the center of decision-making and that Airdrie keeps pace with its growth in a sustainable way.
Karen will fight for smarter long-term planning and ensure new development includes the infrastructure families actually need.
2. Recreation & Community Spaces
Families need affordable, accessible places to gather, play, and grow.
Sports and recreation have become so unaffordable that many families are left without options. Karen believes every child should have the opportunity to participate in extracurriculars without being penalized financially. She will push for facilities that serve everyone — including a public outdoor pool (because a splash park isn’t enough) — and for more family-oriented city events like Christmas tree lightings, fall festivals, and other community gatherings.
Karen will advocate for stronger investment in recreation facilities, parks, and inclusive programming that bring neighbours together.
3. Schools & Youth Opportunities
Our kids deserve more support, both in and outside the classroom.
Karen will work with school boards and the province to highlight Airdrie’s urgent needs and push for better youth programming. Losing libraries, music rooms, and gyms just to make classroom space is unacceptable. With more than 30+ students in a single room, students are not receiving the quality of education they deserve.
Karen will fight to ensure Airdrie’s school systems can keep up with demand and give kids the resources they need to thrive.
4. Accountability & Communication
Residents deserve to know what’s happening at City Hall — and to have their voices heard.
Karen will promote stronger bylaws that protect residents and ensure neighbourhoods are not overwhelmed by excessive developments such as clustered supportive housing. She will also push for open communication, easier access to information, and regular updates from council so residents can engage meaningfully in decisions that affect their lives.
5. Fair Representation Through a Ward System
Airdrie is too big for a “one size fits all” approach. Different communities have different needs.
Karen will advocate for a ward system so every neighbourhood has a stronger voice and direct representation at council.
6. Building a Future for Families
The vision is an Airdrie where kids thrive, families feel supported, and neighbours feel connected.
Karen will work with communities to put families at the heart of decision-making and make Airdrie a place we’re all proud to call home.
7. Supporting Local Businesses
Local businesses are the backbone of our city, but too many are closing their doors.
Karen will champion policies that help small businesses succeed — making it more affordable to operate in Airdrie, cutting unnecessary red tape, and ensuring local entrepreneurs have the support they need to grow and thrive.
Strong businesses mean strong communities.
Connect With Karen
We'd love to hear from you! Whether you want to volunteer, contribute, or simply learn more about Karen's campaign, feel free to reach out to us.
For Media and Event Inquiries Contact Karen's Campaign Manager
Name: Tawnia Butler
Email: karenforchangeairdrie@outlook.com
IG: @karenforchangeairdrie
