WIC Plan – City Council approved the 2026–2029 Welcoming and Inclusive Communities (WIC) Partnership Plan. The plan was shaped through community surveys and roundtable discussions. It focuses on inclusion, belonging, reducing barriers, and working with community partners without duplicating work already happening. Councillor Mara Nesbitt highlighted a section of the plan that says, “great things happen when those who are involved share a personal commitment and passion for achieving a more just and equitable society for all,” and asked if, “these initiatives are not just for our new Canadians,” Inclusion Coordinator Robyn Klassen replied that the hope is for all of the community to be involved in the work of helping everyone feel welcome and have a sense of belonging.

Recreation Fees Increase – City Council approved a 3% increase to recreation rates and fees, instead of the 5% recommended by the Brooks and District Recreation and Parks Board. The new rates apply from August 1, 2026, to July 31, 2027, and exclude school rates tied to the joint use and planning agreement. Council debated affordability, cost recovery, and the need for better data on how many people use each pass or program. While councillors agreed recreation costs are rising, they had different views on how to respond. Councillor Mike Regner questioned whether raising fees is the best answer without better usage data, saying if rates go up 5% but usage drops 5%, “it’s a wash.” He suggested the City look at ways to fill unused ice times and increase facility use, rather than relying only on higher user fees.

Kick-Off Market After the Parade – The Brooks Farmers’ Market Kick-Off is the perfect next stop after the Rodeo Parade. Veterans Park will be full of makers, bakers, growers, food, and family-friendly energy. A very few vendor spots are available. Vendor application is on the website.

Data Centre Public Hearing – Council held a public hearing on proposed data centre rules for Brooks. Development Officer Bailee Boulet said, “This amendment doesn’t approve or deny a data center,” but would create “very clear rules to guide that process.” Future phases would still need review, water use would remain under City control, and noise limits could be enforced through permit conditions. When Council discussed whether data centres could create costs for the broader community, new CAO Michael Derricott said development is typically expected to pay for the infrastructure impacts it creates. The bylaw to add data centres as a defined and regulated industrial use in Brooks was adopted.

Permanent Use Approved – The drive-thru café at 907 2nd Street West will no longer need to return to Council each year for an extension. City Council approved converting the temporary use to a permanent use, allowing the business to continue operating without connecting to municipal water and sewer systems through a special agreement.

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