100 Year Farm Awards Revived – During a 2025 review of Agricultural Services policies, County staff recommended rescinding the 100 Year Farm Awards program because no applications had been received in roughly 20 years. Instead, Council directed staff to publicly advertise the awards, resulting in seven multi-generational farm families being recognized for farming in the County of Newell for more than 100 years. Honoured families included Davidson, Endersby, G&H Hammargren, Philpott, C.O. Johnson & Sons, Graham, and Niznik.

Mural Rules Updated – City Council Committee reviewed proposed updates to the City’s Mural Approval Policy. The draft says murals can enhance buildings and allow residents to display artistic talent. It removes the previous purpose of preserving neighbourhood character, supporting the City’s aesthetic environment, and promoting a well-maintained, attractive community. The application process would still require murals to be reviewed for content, materials, and project leadership.

Sips Coffee Bar Decision – Council Committee is again reviewing the future of Sips Drive Thru Coffee Bar. The café was first approved as a temporary drive-through in 2022 and has been reviewed annually since. The key issue is that Sips operates without a municipal water and sewer connection. Last year, Committee discussed whether a special agreement should be allowed, and what that could mean for fairness to other businesses connected to City services. The current question is whether Sips should remain temporary, become a permanent use through a special agreement, or be required to connect to services, relocate, or stop operating if compliance cannot be achieved.

Kick-Off Market is TWO Weeks Away – June 6 in Veteran’s Park, right after the Rodeo Parade. So far, 12 new vendors, 7 visiting vendors, and a lot of returning favourites have already signed up for the Kick-Off. With baking, greenhouse products, handmade goods and food trucks already lined up. Where strangers become familiar faces over the course of the summer. Regular Thursday markets begin June 11 from 2–6 PM, with vendor applications still open on the website.

Recreation Fee Increases – The Brooks & District Recreation and Parks Board is recommending a 5% increase to most recreation rates and fees for August 1, 2026. Administration compared Brooks rates against more than a dozen Alberta municipalities, including Cochrane, Blackfalds, Airdrie, High River, and Okotoks. The comparison shows Brooks’ recreation fees are generally below or near the sector average, even with the proposed 5% increase. The Board remains committed to keeping recreation facilities affordable while setting rates at levels that encourage high facility use.

Business Licence Update Returns – After asking for more information in April, Council Committee reviewed peddler and non-resident business licence fees again. Administration compared Brooks with 10 other municipalities, including Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, Calgary, Taber, and Strathmore. The report says Brooks has two active annual peddler licences and 101 active non-resident business licences, including 74 building and trade contractors. Brooks’ peddler fee is among the highest in the comparison, but staff found the City’s fees are generally in line with nearby municipalities. No fee changes are recommended.

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