No Agreement, No Texas Gate – The County is reviewing Texas gates on road allowances to identify a landowner or company responsible for each one. Adjacent landowners were notified, and the EID, CNRL and other parties were contacted where applicable. The deadline for a signed agreement was August 15. If no one accepts responsibility for a gate, the County plans to remove it this fall, restore the road base and require the affected property to be fenced. The purpose is to ensure Texas gates serving private property do not become the responsibility of County taxpayers.

New BJHS Opening – Brooks Junior High families are being asked to prepare for a slight delay to the start of the 2026–27 school year. Construction crews are working to have the new school ready for August 31, but work remains inside and outside the building. Grasslands School Division will issue an official update by email and social media on August 24, confirming the start date and providing any other information families need. BJHS staff are scheduled to enter the new building for the first time on August 25.

What Are Officers Watching for in August? – New drivers, cyclists, impaired and aggressive drivers, and motorcycles are Alberta’s traffic-safety priorities this month. According to Alberta RCMP, approximately one in four fatal collisions in the province involves unsafe speed, with most occurring in rural areas. Local Municipal Enforcement are following the province-wide priorities. See the full year in Alberta’s Traffic Safety Calendar.

Summer Is Running Out – Saturday’s OPEN Farm Days Market was everything a summer market should be: beautiful weather, a busy park, and a community taking time to taste, make, and discover. Only six Thursday markets remain. You deserve a break.

Did You Know? You can report a collision online. Report My Collision is available in the Brooks region for eligible single-vehicle crashes, including hitting a deer or another animal, striking a post, fence or guardrail, or running off the road. Some parked-vehicle hit-and-runs can also be reported. Take photos, open Report My Collision on your phone or computer, sign in with your verified Alberta.ca Account (the same account used for paying traffic tickets and renewing vehicle registrations or driver’s licences) and submit the information. RCMP reviews the report and, if approved, provides a digital damage sticker for your insurer and repair shop. Do not use the service if anyone is injured. Two-vehicle online reporting is currently limited to Calgary.

Things kids ask that I couldn’t answer . . . until now – “Grandma, how many vehicles are in Brooks?” I had no idea. Then I fell down a traffic safety research rabbit hole for this issue of LarkSPUR and stumbled on the answer. Alberta’s 2025 records list 16,856 registered motor vehicles and 14,373 licensed drivers connected to Brooks. Compared with Brooks’ estimated population of 17,537, that is about 96 vehicles for every 100 people, or 1.2 vehicles for every licensed driver.

Be Part of Market Day – If you enjoy meeting people and being useful, the Brooks Farmers’ Market could use your help during Thursday markets. Welcome visitors at the Info Tent, help people find what they are looking for, check in with vendors or cover a booth during a short break. You don’t need to know everything about the market . . . we’ll make sure you have the information you need. Help for an hour or two, choose a Thursday or come regularly. Learn more or sign up here.

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