2026 CITY BUDGET - Last year, Council approved a 5.75% increase to municipal tax revenue for 2025 to maintain service levels, cover inflation, and absorb the higher RCMP policing cost share. At that time, Administration projected that another increase, estimated at 5.95%, would be needed for 2026 to sustain service delivery and meet ongoing financial commitments. Those pressures remain. Reduced provincial infrastructure funding, inflation, population growth, and major capital needs, such as the Public Works Office, Wastewater Treatment Plant, and water system upgrades, are all shaping the 2026 budget discussions. Several projects are included in this year’s draft, such as the skateboard park completion costs, parking lot work at the CRA, and replacement of an aging Access Transit bus. Council will review the draft budget.

SKATEBOARD PARK RECONSTRUCTION - As part of the draft 2026 Budget, the City has outlined the remaining costs for completing the skateboard park rebuild. Several design changes were required during construction, including extra concrete at the entrance ($12,700), rubber surfacing where grass would not grow ($20,700), a replacement entrance sign ($1,200), and upgrades to the irrigation system ($15,400).
Project cost: $50,000.

CENTENNIAL REGIONAL ARENA PARKING LOT - The draft 2026 Budget includes repairs and a layout redesign for sections of the Centennial Regional Arena parking lot. New pavement and an improved configuration would support daily operations and make snow removal safer and more efficient. Project cost: $50,000.

ACCESS TRANSIT FLEET REPLACEMENT - The City proposes replacing a 2012 Access Transit bus in the draft budget. The bus has reached the end of its reliable service life. The vehicle has over 208,000 km, persistent mechanical issues, rust, and an unreliable wheelchair lift, creating safety concerns and higher maintenance costs. Project cost: $250,000.

Drive-through Light Display - The drive-through light display is open at the Brooks & District Museum from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm for all of December! There will be a sign on the grounds with the radio station to tune into. The donation box at the end of the drive-through will be collecting donations for the new tractor exhibit building!

12TH STREET WEST PAVING – This project proposes the full reconstruction of 12th Street West, north of Cassils Road West. The road is currently unpaved and has only been covered with asphalt millings as a temporary measure. The plan calls for designing and building a new paved road, widened by two metres. Final costs may change after engineering investigations and any cost-sharing discussions with the County of Newell. This project improves snow-removal efficiency and prepares the area for future development. It has been recommended for deferral to the 10-year capital plan. Project cost: $1,981,000.

DEVELOPMENT APPROVAL PROCESS REVIEW - The City is reviewing how development permits are approved to reduce delays and improve customer service. In 2024 and 2025, several applications were delayed by two to three weeks while awaiting MPC meetings. Administration noted that removing the MPC as the Development Authority would speed up processing times, create more predictable decisions, and make the system easier for applicants. The recommended option is to eliminate the MPC’s role as Development Authority, give full variance powers to the Development Officer, and name Council (minus members of the appeal board) as the Subdivision Authority.

NEW MOSAIC THEATRE - Correction - Last week’s issue stated that “The City has established a new non-profit, the Mosaic Theatre Society, to operate the facility at arm’s length.” This was incorrect. The City of Brooks did not create a non-profit organization. The Mosaic Theatre Society is an independent group and operates completely separate from the City.

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