Proposed Expansion - Prairie Village could add 24 new affordable housing units in Brooks. The City has committed land, and planning work and feasibility studies are complete. Prairie Village covers its own operating costs, carries no debt, and holds significant assets. But like most non-profit housing providers, growth depends on securing outside funding. Rent limits keep units affordable, but also limit the ability to generate surplus for expansion. Most tenants are working households earning roughly $20,000 to $50,000 annually. Current rents range from $772 to $1,060 per month, including utilities.

The proposed expansion funding model relies on a mix of sources:

• $700,000 in owner equity already secured

• $1.06 million still needed from equity partners

• $2.04 million from provincial housing programs (AHPP)

• $200,000 from CMHC seed funding

• approximately $3 million in mortgage financing

Several of these components remain subject to application and approval. The next step is securing equity partners; without it, the provincial grant application cannot move forward.

Library Use Trending Up - In March 2026, the Brooks Public Library recorded its highest foot traffic in the past year, with over 12,200 visits, an average of just under 50 people per hour and over 6,000 items checked out.

Recreation Fee Rethink - The Brooks & District Recreation and Parks Board is taking a closer look at its rates and fees for 2026/2027. Past reviews didn't fully account for operating costs and subsidies. A Southern Alberta benchmarking study is now underway to compare facilities across the region on a fairer, like-for-like basis. Earlier comparisons used surveys of similar-sized towns but missed key differences between facilities. Administration noted that even a 5% increase would not fully offset rising costs. Further fee discussion has been deferred.

Kick-Off Market FIVE weeks away - The Brooks Farmers’ Market returns Saturday, June 6, following the Rodeo Parade, and it’s already growing faster than last year. 👏👏 A mix of returning favourites and new vendors is building toward a stronger, more consistent market experience each week. Last year’s Kick-Off reached 50 vendors. We are more than halfway there. Can we do it two years in a row? Thinking about becoming a vendor? Vendor Applications are on the website.

Doctor Recruitment Plan - Brooks Council will consider a co-ownership agreement with the County of Newell for a home intended to support healthcare worker recruitment, including doctors. The property at 323 20 Street East has already been purchased with a $400,000 total budget, split 50/50 between the City and County. The home is part of a strategy to provide short-term housing for newly recruited healthcare professionals as they transition into the community. The approach reflects a growing reality for smaller communities, where housing is often needed to attract doctors and other healthcare workers.

Road Work - Brooks Council will consider adding two projects to the 2026 Street Improvement Program using remaining budget funds. The proposals include:

1. Young Road overlay from Veiner Road to Silver Sage Road, which would involve a full mill and repaving with updated line markings and signage.

2. City-wide transportation study to collect traffic and pedestrian data at key intersections and crossings. The study comes after a previous grant application was unsuccessful and would help identify future infrastructure needs across the city.

New CAO - City Council held a special meeting on Friday as part of the hiring process for a new Chief Administrative Officer, facilitated by Transitional Solutions Inc. Interim CAO Doug Lagore will be leaving, with Mike Derricott set to be appointed on May 19, 2026.

Street Sweeping Fines - Residents are to receive at least 48 hours’ notice before street sweeping in their neighbourhood. Council Committee recommended that vehicles not moved during sweeping be fined $57, with enforcement falling under the Traffic Bylaw.

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