Tax Auction – On November 10, there will be a public auction for four houses and three mobile homes if property taxes remain unpaid. The reserve bids range from $44,000 to $329,000, based on the City’s estimated market value. This does not mean all seven properties will be sold. Owners can still pay the arrears before the auction, and most do. Between 2022 and 2025, 49 properties were listed, but only five reached auction. The City registered 52 tax-recovery liens this year, while seven properties remain on the auction list.

The Blazing Axe Has a New Target – The Blazing Axe plans to move its axe-throwing and rage-room business to 559 Canal Street. It would initially occupy 2,000 square feet already approved for entertainment, then expand into the adjoining 2,000 square feet after the current cabinet business leaves at the end of December. Because the property is zoned Direct Control, Council must approve the change. Staff support the application, noting the activities would remain indoors, existing parking is sufficient and no excessive noise, odour or traffic is expected.

Drawing the Line on Sign Exceptions – Wellings of Brooks asked to put a portable sign on the City-owned boulevard in front of its 55-plus rental community. City rules do not allow portable signs on these boulevards. Council made a three-month exception at the same spot in January, when Councillor Mara Nesbitt questioned why the City would depart from its own rules. Council denied a similar request in March. During Monday’s discussion, councillors acknowledged that past decisions had not always been consistent and agreed that the City needs to follow its bylaws. Council denied the request.

You Deserve a Break – Grab a neighbour or a friend who deserves a break as much as you do, pick a time and come enjoy a break. There are only TWO Thursday markets left this season to make summer memories. Pick your person, pick your time, and enjoy a break. You deserve it.

Planning the Road to the New Catholic School – City Council has asked administration to bring back the scope and dollar amount of the work required before approving $700,000 from reserves to begin engineering work on 7th Street East, from 2nd Avenue to Township Road 184A. The road will need to safely handle traffic from the new Catholic school planned for the former rodeo grounds. The work would include design, tendering and construction supervision, not the road construction itself. Early plans could widen the road to as many as five lanes, improve turning movements, add traffic signals and upgrade water, sewer and storm infrastructure. The school hopes to begin construction in early summer 2027, if engineering begins this year.

A $154.6-Million To-Do List – At Council’s request, City staff have identified about $154.6 million in possible projects needed to replace aging infrastructure and prepare for growth. The list includes $400,000 to update four infrastructure master plans. These studies would assess the City’s roads, stormwater, drinking water and wastewater systems and help determine which construction projects should come next. Other priorities include resurfacing the Holy Family tennis court for $120,000, replacing the aging Duke of Sutherland water park with a new $1.5-million system, a five-year, $6.53-million reconstruction of Sunnylea that would replace its underground infrastructure and rebuild its roads and sidewalks, and paving 2nd Avenue East from 17th Street to College Drive for $1.29 million. This is not an approved spending plan. The list is intended to help Council set its priorities and guide future capital budgets.

One More Saturday Market – September is winding down, and we’re giving the season one final Saturday. Join us September 26 from 11–3 PM in Veteran’s Park. Pick up a FREE Discovery Tour Toolkit while supplies last. Inside the insulated market bag you’ll find a voucher for a wooden gnome Make ’n Take valued at $15, and a Discovery Passport with a chance to instantly win $25 in Market Money. The Brooks Preschool will also be there with a pumpkin patch fundraiser. Come shop, make a gnome, pick a pumpkin and help us close out the season.

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