Festival Of Winter Walks

Sun Dec 17th - Mon Jan 1st

A tradition started in the United Kingdom over thirty years ago it celebrates walking in the wintery wonderland, making the most of the season’s unique beauty.

Hot Chocolate Hop You’ve heard of a pub crawl. Give that idea a fun twist and organize a Hot Chocolate Hop. Plan a route that includes a stop at a local café or a friend’s house for a hot chocolate break. Enjoying a warm, sweet drink halfway through the walk is a perfect way to keep spirits high and bodies warm.

State of the Region address on Thursday, January 4th, 2024 hosted by the Brooks Newell Region. Speaking will be Premier Danielle Smith MLA, Mayor John Petrie, and Reeve Arno Doerksen. Newell. They will address the challenges and opportunities that exist for businesses, residents and organizations of the Brooks Newell Region and the Province of Alberta. Held at the Heritage Inn and Convention Centre. Doors will open at 7:30AM, a breakfast buffet will be served at 8:00AM, and the speakers will begin at 8:30AM. Tickets can purchased online

Theft of vehicles from Car Dealership - On November 19th, at 5:25AM, Brooks RCMP responded to an alarm at the Martin Chrysler dealership. Upon arrival, Police observed a heavily damaged service bay door. CCTV showed 3 individuals dressed in dark clothing breaking into the dealership. They stole 3 vehicles and drove them through the bay door to exit and flee. The vehicles stolen were a 2019 black Dodge Durango, a 2017 and a 2024 Dodge Ram 1500. Two vehicles have since been recovered. The RCMP report called this a highly organized theft associated with an out-of-town crime group.

City of Brooks 2024 Budget highlights

The budget has been adjusted by just over $474,000 due to inflationary increases including, but not limited to, annual insurance premiums, software licensing fees, electricity charges and the Federal Government’s phase-in of carbon taxes on natural gas.

Total budgeted operating expenditures are $30,735,000 funded as follows:

Property Taxes - $14,211,000

• Property tax revenue increase of $665,000 or 4.91%

• eg. $100/year on a $239,000 home

Utility Departments - $7,892,000

• Represents increased revenue of $249,000

• Average Residential Family annual increase of approx. $47

  • 6.1% increase in Water rates

  • 14.6% increase in Surface Irrigation rates

  • 2.2% increase in Garbage Base Rates

  • 2.01% increase in Commercial Garbage Collection rates

  • “phased-in” Cardboard Collection rates will increase by approximately 61.24%

  • no increases in Sanitary Sewer, or Recycling charges

Tax Supported Departments - $8,632,000

• These revenues include user fees for City services, licences, permits, fines, franchise fees and Federal, Provincial and Local Government grants.

  • Business License fees will be reinstated for in-town and County of Newell businesses based on the rates that were previously in effect. This will increase the City’s revenues by approximately $105,000 per year.

Twinkle Tour Map is prepared! It showcases the most dazzling Christmas light displays in our region. Prepared by Brooks Region Tourism.

Cost of RCMP services are anticipated to increase by 14.61% which is equal to $318,000. When the City of Brooks reaches a population of 15,000, they will be required to pay 90% of pooled RCMP costs instead of 70%. This increase is anticipated to happen in 2027 and will cost an estimated $932,000. A “phase in” plan began in 2023, and will continue in this budget, by increasing property Tax revenue by $186,400 each year.

A new “Inclusion Coordinator” position will be introduced to implement and promote diversity-friendly programming and initiatives throughout the City as directed by the newly formed Welcoming and Inclusive Community Committee. It is anticipated that the City will be able to secure a grant to fund this position.

Two murals that are currently located at the Royal Canadian Legion building will be mounted in Veterans Park due to the relocation of the Brook’s Legion.

Transportation pilot project will be implemented in 2024. The purpose will be to determine the viability of a semi-fixed bus route for the residents of Brooks. The pilot project is expected to run from May 1 – December 31 and will cost approximately $124,000.

New Public Works, Utilities & Parks shop with offices, will commence in 2024. Upgraded office and shop space will accommodate further growth of the community and today’s building codes. The cost of constructing this building is estimated to be $13,800,000.

Regional Ballpark enhancements will be done to the rear sidewalk area including adding additional concrete and a retaining wall. This project will cost $125,000 and will improve accessibility, safety and esthetics for the users of this facility.

Brooks’ Dog Park - An additional $75,000 will be added to the budget so that the park can be completed in 2024. The City will fund $50,000 of this from reserves and the remaining $25,000 will be raised through community donations.