Provincial Recycling Changes - Alberta’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program takes effect October 1. Under EPR, producers of packaging and paper products will assume financial and operational responsibility for recycling those materials, shifting costs away from municipalities. It encourages companies to find innovative ways to recycle more materials and produce less packaging waste. Mayor Norm Gerestein has been appointed to the Newell Recycling Association.

Ball Diamond Fees - Brooks Minor Baseball is considering outside user groups be charged a fee to use the facilities. They are also working with the City on a medium- and long-term improvement plan for the diamonds to support future upgrades and maintenance.

Growing Interest and Media Attention - CDC South continues to see increased activity and renewed interest following federal decisions to close several agricultural research stations. The project has drawn media coverage from CBC and Radio-Canada. The team is meeting regularly with prospective research partners, including the University of Calgary, and has hosted multiple site tours.

Traffic changes - Officers have increased their presence along Township Road 192 in preparation for traffic changes related to the JBS access and Highway 873 (Duchess Hiway) project. The goal is to help educate motorists ahead of increased traffic once the project is complete. In the Municipal Enforcement January report, 42 investigations resulted in 37 warnings and 46 tickets issued.

Two 8-Plex Applications Denied - The Municipal Planning Commission denied two applications from Wembley Homes for 8-unit dwellings on 16 Street East. Both applications were denied because the proposed on-site parking did not meet the requirements. With only five standard stalls they fell short of the twelve stalls required,

Focus on Everyday Inclusion - The Welcoming Inclusive Community Committee is preparing a draft strategic plan to help guide its future priorities and actions. The Committee discussed ways to support the Brooks Immigrant Women’s Society as it looks for safe space opportunities and helpful programming for its members. In addition to formal planning, members explored simple, everyday acts of inclusion. One idea discussed was offering a pop to someone new as an easy way to start a conversation and build connection in the community.

February 24th (Tuesday) 7PM at Brooks Alliance Church. Everybody is welcome!!!

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