A New Look for RCMP Vehicles – Brooks RCMP patrol vehicles will gradually adopt a black-and-white look, with white doors and reflective markings to make them easier to recognize day or night. Staff Sergeant Robert Harms told Council that vehicles will receive the new design as older ones are replaced, with no additional cost solely for the change.

What’s Next for The Medium? – Sagebrush Arts and Christ the Redeemer Catholic Schools currently use The Medium. The City estimates it would cost about $67,000 to repair and upgrade it for continued use. Council declared The Medium surplus and authorized a public sale. Declaring it surplus opens the door to a sale, but Council can set the timing.

Delayed 7th Street Decision – Council put off a decision on the 7th Street East project because members wanted to know what the whole project might cost. The preliminary estimate is $6.29 million for road and underground work, including possible traffic lights at 2nd Avenue East. Council approved $700,000 from reserves for engineering. The road could be widened to five lanes, but the final design and construction cost would still need Council’s approval. Council also asked administration to send a letter to the Christ the Redeemer School Division, MLA Smith, Minister of Infrastructure, Minister of Education, and Minister of Transportation informing them of the pressure the accelerated project has created on the City of Brooks budget.

This Was Our Summer – And what a summer it was! Over 22 markets, we shared good food and beautiful handmade items. Visitors got to know vendors, and tourists got to know Brooks. Thank you to the vendors who showed up week after week. . . rain or shine, and to everyone who came to the market . . . rain or shine! Brooks Tourism, FCSS, the City of Brooks, County of Newell, CFSEA and Julie Jenkins we couldn’t have done it without your support. It was a great summer because of everyone being part of growing the BEST little market in Southern Alberta.

When Will the Soccer Fields Be Ready? – Grasslands Soccer Association says much of the groundwork is done on its 14-acre site along 2nd Avenue East. It has secured about $470,000 so far and is waiting to hear about a provincial grant. If it can secure the remaining funds, the association hopes to seed the fields next spring. Limited play may be possible by late 2027, with full use planned for spring 2028, once the grass has had time to grow. The fields would serve an association with about 1,000 young players from Brooks and the surrounding area.

When Half Price Is Still Too Much – Representatives from REDI and TAG told Council Committee that the cost of a JBS Canada Centre membership keeps some people receiving developmental-disability supports from using the facility. An annual adult membership is $600, and they said the 50% reduced rate is still out of reach for some. They asked the City to work with them on a lasting way to lower that barrier. Council discussed possible fundraising and asked for more financial information; no change to the fees was decided.

Nearly 500 Traffic Tickets in Under Three Months – In its report covering July through September, Brooks Municipal Enforcement says officers issued 489 tickets for traffic violations and 258 warnings. They focused on school zones, intersection safety and speeding, as well as traffic concerns raised by residents. Officers also worked with Brooks RCMP on bicycle and e-scooter safety. They stopped and spoke with almost 50 young people around the community and gave away several helmets. Beyond traffic, officers sent 127 letters about overgrown grass and weeds.

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