Brooks Strategic Plan Review is a four-year work plan outlining key projects and tasks across various focus areas. This week, City Council will review the Infrastructure Upgrades and Outdoor Experiences, there are 15 main projects. Key updates include:

• City Shop and Yard for Public Works, Utilities, and Parks: Construction drawings and cost estimates have been completed. The project is on hold to review financial implications and explore possible scope and design adjustments to revise final costs. The facility will be built on the existing site.

• Skateboard Park Revitalization/New Build: Design and cost estimates have been completed and approved. New Line has begun detailed design work, which includes a BMX concrete pump track as part of the revitalization. Construction is scheduled for completion in 2025.

• Police Building: Staff had paused discussions while awaiting a decision on the Alberta Police Force. Now that the decision has been finalized, discussions regarding a new police building can resume.

• RV/Sewer Dump Site: This will be incorporated into the design for the Old Rodeo Grounds, contingent on the final approval of the design and layout for the School Site.

• Lighted Pathways, Parks, and Recreation Spaces: The Trails Master Plan has been completed. Lighting will be installed as the plan is implemented.

• Spray Parks in Neighbourhoods: A new spray park is planned for Uplands. Staff are preparing an RFQ for design and construction, with completion targeted for 2025.

CPKC Railway Mural could be added to their new building in downtown Brooks. CPKC constructed a wooden fence with evergreen trees and a spot for flower beds. They suggested showcasing historical photos of Brooks or a mural of the 2816 steam locomotive, which passed through Brooks in 2024 during the final spike anniversary steam tour. The mural/banner creation and maintenance expenses will fall to the City of Brooks. Options include:

1. Mural of the 2816 locomotive.

2. Mural of the old railway station.

3. Banner of the 2816 locomotive.

4. Banner of the old railway station.

5. Banner featuring a collage of historical images, including the locomotive, railway station, aqueduct, and irrigation dam.

Banner costs range from $530 to $1,280, depending on size and design. $8,400 from the BRZ Terminus Project budget is available for use.

Urban Hen Program up for Review - No complaints or concerns have been reported since 2023 when the program began. Currently, seven properties keep hens in the city. In April 2024, a larger property requested permission for up to 20 hens, exceeding program guidelines, and was deferred for discussion during the program review.

Options for Consideration:

1. Update the Animal Control Bylaw to adopt current urban hen guidelines.

2. Modify guidelines to allow different property sizes to keep varying numbers of hens.

3. Include guidelines and add provisions for case-by-case Council review of requests outside the program scope.

Music Festival and registration - The festival is from March 31 to April 4 Sponsored in part by the Brooks Rotary Club, Brooks Solar II. Registration is online from January 6-31 at brooksmusicfestival.ca 

Who will be the 2025 TOP 5? It is time to start voting for the TOP 5 places to eat in the Brooks Region. There are new restaurants in the City, will they be able to break into our Top 5? Will Wasana hold onto first place for the fifth year in a row!!??

2024 TOP 5: Wasana - Nikko Sushi - HomeTime - North Star Pho - Piston Broke

2023 TOP 5: Wasana - HomeTime - Nikko Sushi - Bad Company - Boston Pizza

2022 TOP 5: Wasana - HomeTime - Nikko Sushi - Piston Broke - PD’s

2021 TOP 5: Wasana - Brooks Hotel - Piston Broke - Boston Pizza - Montana’s

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