Global Village Centre Documentary — Global Village Centre is asking the City for $21,000 to finish Lessons Learned, an approximately 80-minute documentary about Brooks and the region’s growth, workforce and community experience. The centre says the film is nearing completion and plans an invitation-only premiere in November.

Portable Sign Rules Could Change — A proposed bylaw would let the Development Authority consider an extra portable sign on larger commercial or industrial lots, depending on how much of the lot borders a road. It would also require portable-sign companies approved by Council to tell the City within two business days when they move a sign and to provide a current list of their signs when asked. The City reports 93 active permits; portable-sign companies hold 72.

Public Hearing Rules Could Change — Currently, City staff explain the bylaw, answer council’s questions and make closing comments at the hearing; speakers get up to 10 minutes. Under the proposal, the chair gives a brief overview, council questions the applicant, and questions for City staff wait until a later meeting. Speakers get five minutes, though the chair can allow more. The change means less speaking time and staff answers after, rather than during, the hearing.

Confessions of a New Farmers’ Market Manager — I didn’t yet know how a market grows, but I grew up going to the St. Albert Farmers’ Market, which has 275 vendors. Brooks had 18. I figured with a good plan, we’d catch up in a few years. A manager friend who knew how hard it was set me straight: “Oh, Roxanne.” Still, I tried everything! Most of it didn’t last. A few things did: the insulated market bags, now a shopper favourite, and . . . the Market Bell, still ringing to open and close every market.

Budget Survey Top Picks — Responses to its 2027 budget survey had RCMP and policing as top picks, followed by roads and sidewalks, parks and athletic fields, and recreation programs and facilities. Asked where services fell short, respondents most often named roads and sidewalks, policing, then parks and community development. Cost mattered too: 45.4% wanted improvements only if they could be made without a tax increase; 25.4% would accept a moderate increase. These responses give council feedback on priorities and affordability.

Turning the Page Gala — Crossroads Clinic’s annual fundraiser is Nov. 6 at the Heritage Inn. Doors open at 5:30PM dinner and the program begin at 6. The evening includes live music from a youth band, a buffet, silent and live dessert auctions, and stories of hope. Tickets: crossroadsclinic.ca/banquet.

Keith Alessi: Tomatoes Tried to Kill Me but Banjos Saved My Life — See Alessi’s award-winning storytelling show on Monday, Oct. 26, at 7PM. at Griffin Park Theatre. Tickets are $25 at Steaming Cup or newellconcertbrooks.ca.

Hope Conference — Prairie Rose Hospice’s one-day conference is Saturday, Nov. 7, from 9:30 - 3PM. It features expert guest speakers sharing insights from their fields, with lunch provided. Register at prairierosehospice.ca.

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