City creating its own Municipal Policing Committee - required under Alberta’s Police Amendment Act. Since Brooks’ population is expected to grow past 15,000—and has unique policing challenges—the City successfully requested exemption from the Southern Alberta District (SAD), which could have grouped Brooks with smaller communities like Taber, Coaldale, and High River under a regional committee. The new committee will oversee:

• The City's policing agreement with the federal government.

• Assist in selecting the Officer in Charge of the Brooks RCMP detachment.

• Report to the Minister on RCMP programs and services.

The long-standing Safe Communities Committee, which has a very different mandate and has been recognized for its contributions to youth safety and community initiatives, will be dissolved. However, the Safe Communities Facilitator could continue to support the new committee in a non-voting advisory role. Applications for citizen-at-large positions will open once the bylaw is passed, starting with an enhanced security clearance process funded by the Province.

Non-profit tax exemption - Currently, the City of Brooks handles exemption requests on a case-by-case basis without a formal process. Administration reviewed two recent applications—for REDI and the Crossroads Clinic Association—and confirmed they meet the provincial criteria of activities that advance public benefit, such as charity, recreation, or education. Council Committee is being asked to recommend approval of these exemptions and to direct Administration to create a formal application and review process in the future. Approving the exemptions would shift approximately $10,100 in taxes across all other properties, but the impact on individual taxpayers would be negligible.

What do Brooks’ Community Peace Officers do? In the latest quarter, City of Brooks Community Peace Officers (CPOs) stayed busy across education, enforcement, and community safety:

• Over 1,000 hours dedicated to traffic enforcement, including playground and school zone patrols, enhanced traffic shifts, and 44 charges for no insurance.

• Nearly 1,000 students reached through car seat checks, railway safety talks, self-defence training (funded by an FCSS grant), and Halloween safety presentations.

• 300 hours spent on parking enforcement, property management, and bylaw issues.

• Animal control included investigating concerns about dogs and cats, seizing two neglected dogs, and issuing seven urban hen licenses.

• Community events: Supported the Santa Parade, Holiday Train, and "Cram the Cruiser" food drive; assisted RCMP with motor vehicle collisions and emergency responses.

• Bylaw enforcement: Issued 33 sidewalk not cleared notices, recovered a stolen vehicle, and addressed garbage dumping through property inspections, nuisance letters, and fines.

NewGrow is back - offering local entrepreneurs, creators, and innovators a chance to launch or grow their business with up to $10,000 in funding, plus access to mentorship, promotions, and business support. Whether it’s a bold new product, a fresh take on a service, or an exciting business expansion—NewGrow wants to hear your pitch. Learn more and apply online.

• Applications due: June 6

• Pitch Night: June 13

5 Weeks Out — Let’s Make Market History, Rodeo-Style!

Hang onto your hats—only 5 weeks until the Brooks Farmers’ Market kicks off on Rodeo Weekend. Saturday, June 7, from 10 AM–2 PM! We’re talking fresh finds, family fun, and enough rodeo spirit to rope in a record crowd.

Spots are almost gone! If you’re a maker, baker, or grower, now’s the time to saddle up and join the ride. Let’s kick off summer with a bang—and maybe a few yeehaws!

Still scratching out the details on Hen bylaw - Council Committee continues to review options to update Animal Control Bylaw regarding hens. The limit is six hens for lots under 2,000 m² and up to 20 hens for larger lots, but fencing rules for large properties are still being considered.

The three options are:

• Option 1: Remove the fencing requirement for all properties

• Option 2: Remove the fencing requirement for properties over 2,000 m²

• Option 3: Require only the coop and outdoor enclosure to be fenced on properties over 2,000 m²

Champion Centre - corrects common misconceptions about its work in Brooks. The Centre is not a shelter or an addiction house, but a licensed, supportive, and permanent residence founded by the Newell Christian Community. Anyone with concerns can speak directly with Centre leadership. The Centre is also seeking new Board members. To learn more, call 403-362-4440.

Horses help heal - Horse Connections, just south of Duchess, offers therapeutic horse-led programs to help individuals move through grief and emotional challenges. Programs like Transforming Grief into Growth and Taking the Reins combine the healing power of horses with personal development and leadership training. An Open House will be held May 3 from 1–3 PM, inviting the public to meet the herd, learn about programs, and explore sponsorship opportunities. Call/text for more information.

Smoker Wars - The 4th Annual Smoker Wars is Father’s Day weekend, June 13–14, at the Centennial Regional Arena. Proceeds support local charities — last year, the event raised and donated 27K, which went to Aarit Hok Pediatric Fund, Seniors Outreach, Cleo’a Karma Canine Rescue and the Brooks Dog Park Project. Teams must register by May 16.

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