Giant Christmas Tree Proposed for Veterans Park - The Brooks Filipino Community Association has proposed building a giant Christmas tree—30 feet tall with a 10-foot base—in Veterans Park. They hope to light it during the Santa Claus Parade as a new downtown tradition. Their goal is to advance the shared culture and traditions of the Filipinos and the City. They believe this could become the City’s trademark, attracting local tourists and giving businesses a holiday boost. They have applied for the Brooks Arts, Culture and Heritage Board grant to cover the estimated cost of $6,000. The group is asking the City to help bring their vision to life, providing a permit to build the tree, storage after the holidays, and securing funding.

Koye Larson Memorial PBR Event - City Council is reviewing a request from the Koye Larson Memorial Fund to cover the cost of renting the Centennial Regional Arena (CRA) for their Professional Bull Riding (PBR) event on May 9. The group raises funds for youth programs in memory of Koye Larson and has applied for a donation of $9,560 to cover all facility costs. In 2024, the rental was $4,461 because the ice had already been removed. This year, the Bandits’ updated schedule means the ice must stay in, which increases the cost. Charges include laying down decking, set-up, and takedown, which require significant staff time. The request is being considered under the City’s Grants to Organizations policy, which provides support to community groups.

Site for New School - Grasslands School Division has formally asked the City to set aside land for a new school near École de Ruisseau. The location is about 8.2 acres and could share space with the school’s existing sports fields. The site has road, water, and sewer service, making it ready for future development. Council will decide whether to move forward with making the site a Municipal and School Reserve (MSR) through a future bylaw, or to explore other locations.

The Brooks Farmers’ Market doesn’t just happen.
If you love the market and want to be part of Growing the BEST little farmers’ market – B.eautiful. E.ngaging. S.hopping. Tourist attraction
Volunteer at the Market!

THANK YOU to those who have already responded 🙌

Bringing Adventure to Our Area - At the recent Tourism Industry Association of Alberta (TIAA) conference, the emcee gave a big shout-out to the Patricia Hotel, calling it one of the best experiences in Alberta. He especially loved the steak pit, the atmosphere, and the service—he even told the crowd it’s a must-try. One of the key priorities for Brooks Region Tourism is getting the Aqueduct revitalization project off the ground, and plans are in motion to bring back a triathlon this June—with a twist: paddleboarding instead of swimming.

Recycling Debate Sparks Discussion - Ray Juska, representing the South Eastern Alberta Waste to Energy Association (SEAWA), joined a panel debate at the Recycling Council of Alberta Conference. The discussion focused on waste-to-energy versus the circular economy, which aims to eliminate all waste. While no agreement was reached, the debate highlighted the need for better recycling habits and public education. For example, clean cardboard becomes unrecyclable if mixed with food waste. The takeaway: strong ideas exist, but putting them into action will take time and effort.

Brooks Music Festival runs from March 31 to April 4, with the final concert at Griffin Park Theatre on April 9 at 7 PM. For sessions and venues, check the website brooksmusicfestival.ca.

Celebration Choir presents “My Jesus”
April 11, Knox Presbyterian Church, Bassano 
April 13, Trinity Lutheran Church, Brooks
April 14, Rosemary Mennonite Church, Rosemary.

All performances are at 7 p.m. Admission is free, but please consider a donation to Cantara House, St.Vincent de Paul Society, and Maggie Kosterawa Medical Fund (a local family). 

Electrical issues can be more than just an inconvenience—they can cost time, money, and productivity. Whether it's an unexpected outage at your business, a breakdown on the farm, or maintenance that’s been put off too long, AA Electric understands the pressure and is ready to respond. With fast, reliable service and 12 years of experience across commercial, agricultural, and industrial settings, help is just a call away. Call AA Electric.

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