Fire Crew to Support Wildfire Efforts - In a special meeting held on short notice, the County Council approved the deployment of local fire resources to assist with the growing wildfire situation in northern Alberta. The decision follows a Provincial request made through the Alberta Emergency Management Agency. One fire engine with two trained personnel from the County of Newell will be sent.

Recreation Pass Donation - Brooks Minor Baseball has requested 300 youth recreation passes for players attending the Riley Martin Memorial Tournament, June 13–15, which draws 21 teams from Alberta and Saskatchewan. The tournament supports the Riley Martin Legacy Grant, which helps cover fees for youth who otherwise couldn’t afford to play ball. The donation—valued at $1,950—would come from the City’s Grants to Organizations fund.

City Permit Gains - Council is considering bringing plumbing, gas, and electrical permits under local administration. While the City of Brooks already manages fire and building code permits through Superior Safety Codes, the rest are handled by the Alberta Safety Codes Authority (ASCA)—meaning all related fees currently go to the province. In 2024 alone, 264 permits were issued in Brooks, generating $69,464 in fees. Had the City been accredited, it could have retained an estimated $17,366. More than just a financial opportunity, bringing these services in-house would create a fully integrated permitting process, reducing delays and cutting confusion for applicants.

NewGrow deadline - This Friday, June 6. Get your pitch ready for $10,000 in funding, plus access to mentorship, promotions, and business support for Learn more and apply online.

This Saturday! — Rodeo Weekend Market Kick-Off

An all-time record-breaking market 👏👏 for Rodeo Weekend Kick-Off! Join us in Veteran’s Park, Saturday, June 7, from 10 - 2 PM for a market day packed with local flavour and rodeo flair. We’re talking live country music, a kid-friendly bull ride, and the launch of our brand-new Bikes & Baskets with e-bike rentals available at the market. With more vendors than ever before, the park will be overflowing with market day fun.

Volunteering Policy Gets a Boost - An updated Volunteer Engagement Policy was presented and recommended for approval by the City Council. The changes clarify that employees can flex their schedules to volunteer during working hours, even if the activity happens outside regular hours or outside the City, as long as the organization being supported primarily benefits Brooks. Employees will also be granted eight hours of paid time to participate in volunteer activities.

Showcasing Brooks Region - As part of the Rotary International Convention in Calgary (June 26–30), two special tours will highlight the Brooks region. Visitors will explore Dinosaur Provincial Park, tour the Bassano Dam, enjoy a long-table dinner at CDC South, and visit the EID Historical Park. The experience will also include shopping stops at the Brooks Farmers’ Market and Downtown Brooks.

Hen Bylaw Nearing Final Approval - After multiple rounds of discussion since the Urban Hen Pilot Program ended in January, Council is now poised to adopt a permanent bylaw. The latest recommendation would allow up to six hens per residential property, regardless of lot size. Any requests for more would require Council approval and passing a site inspection.

Drive-Through Café recommendation - A drive-through café has been operating under temporary permits since 2022. The owner is now requesting permanent approval. While Council has the authority to grant this through a special agreement, Administration is recommending a more cautious approach–to renew another temporary permit. This option maintains flexibility, without setting a long-term precedent. Administration cautions that approving a permanent permit could raise broader policy concerns, particularly regarding fairness to other businesses and the City’s long-term utility planning.

Brooks Music Festival - AGM June 16, 7pm at the Outback Building of the Alliance Church.

Smoker Wars - The 4th Annual Smoker Wars is Father’s Day weekend, June 13–14, at the Centennial Regional Arena.

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