Public transportation pilot project - The City is in the process of selecting a provider that will operate 2 fixed routes on weekdays, 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. from May to December 2024. An east/west loop route will serve most residential areas along Cassils Road and between Cassils Road and the Railway, and a north/south route will operate via 2nd Street West between 13th Avenue, Sunnylea and the Industrial Area. Departures/Arrivals will take into consideration school zones, traffic flows, and inclement weather. The fare will be $4.00 per one-way trip. The City will have the ability to add, amend, revise or change routes, schedules or the number of buses per route. If successful, the contract may extend for up to four years. MAP

Bandits requested ice to be reinstalled for the BCHL playoff games May 17 - June 2, in the event they reach the finals. The Bandits have confirmed that in future seasons, the playoff schedule for the BCHL could potentially go until the end of May. The Professional Bull Riders (PBR) is also exploring booking dates for the Koye Larson Memorial event in 2025 and beyond. Therefore City staff researched options for an ongoing solution to accommodate both groups in the future.

Option 1 - Freeze a protective layer of sawdust on the ice, after which dirt for the PBR is laid on top. (EnMax Centre in Lethbridge uses this method).

Option 2 - Poly/plywood method. This method involves laying the ice decking down on the ice, covering it with a layer of poly and then a layer of ¾" plywood. Most arenas hosting these kinds of events use the method. The cost for this is $31,000 which could be funded from the Council Projects Reserve.

RCMP Community Consultation survey. A short survey asking what 3 areas of policing you feel should be the top priority. You also have the opportunity to comment or give input on what you think would be beneficial to crime prevention/safety in your community.

Silver Sage Ag Society President Ken Newfeld, unveiled the upcoming initiatives during a recent presentation to City council. He noted that many community members are unaware of the range of events hosted by Silver Sage. Below is a snapshot of upcoming activities:

2024 EVENTS

• Family Fun Buckles series

• Team roping series

• Barrel Racing Winter series

• Chinook timed event

• Alberta High School Rodeo

• Spring Fling Futurity Derby

• 4H Beef Show

• Canadian College Finals Rodeo

• Newell Pro Rodeo

• Heart of the Horse

• 25th Annual Twirl & Whirl

• Chinook Foothills Rodeo Finals

Mayor Petrie praised the current board members for coming forward two years ago when the future looked pretty devastating. He also emphasized the significant economic benefits that Silver Sage events bring to the Brooks Newell Region.

Community Memorial Service March 17, 2pm at the Duchess Mennonite Church. This is a non-denominational service in memory of the loss of loved ones who passed away from July 1 to December 31, 2023. The service is open to everyone. The Prairie Rose Hospice Palliative Care Society, Newell Christian Community and the Duchess Mennonite Church are hosting the service. The service will be available virtually at Live Link: For more information call: 403 793 7105.

Brooks Music Festival March 11-15, Concert March 19, 7PM in Griffin Park Theatre. Schedule and venues on website.

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