Arts Culture and Heritage Report conclusion of three-year strategic plan.

Achievements Worth Celebrating:

1. Online Engagement: Facebook page promoting local arts, culture, and heritage activities, events, and grant opportunities.

2. Empowering Advocacy: letters of support assisting groups and individuals seeking grants and funding for projects.

3. Cultivating Creativity: The implementation of $10,000 grant program.

4. Community Insights: Participation in the Alberta Healthy Communities Initiative to understand community dynamics and address the arts and culture needs of the Brooks Region.

5. Broader Engagement: Board member, Cathy Corbett-Schock led the crafts and photography event for the Alberta 55+ Summer Games.

6. Uniting Through Events: Mother’s Day Tea, Brooks Jives, and the Fringe Festival (part of Alberta Culture Days).

7. Showcasing Artistry: Vendors Market on Canada Day 2023.

8. Collaborative Partnerships: Sage Brush Arts room at “The Medium,” has relieved operational burdens and added value through regular programming and events.

9. Local Talent Spotlight: Monthly artist features in the Brooks Bulletin.

10. Cultural Nexus: The creation of an art, culture, and heritage directory, boasting approximately 130 entries, has fostered collaboration and consultation on matters of cultural significance.

Financial Overview:

1. Insights: Over 14 different groups booked the facility.

2. Building Cost: The annual cost of the building is $26,012. The City contributes $18,968 and the County contributes $7,044. Revenue generated by the Board offsets costs.

3. Operating Budget: The City allocates a $5,000 budget to the Board for operational expenses, supporting essential supplies and/or contracted services.

4. Community Grant: The City’s $10,000 grant over the past two years has benefited local organizations with a rising number of applicants.

5. Funds Generated: In the last 3 years the building has accrued over $7000 in funds from bookings.

Building Management Concerns:

In our continuous efforts to enhance center operations, we must acknowledge a significant challenge faced by the Board:

1. Not-for-Profit Status: limitations due to the center’s close ties with the City. Unsuccessful attempts to create an arts society to assist with grant applications and funding.

2. Lack of City Support: Without a dedicated position within the City to oversee bookings, maintenance, and general care of “The Medium” a significant burden has been placed on volunteer board members.

3. Operational Strain: Volunteer board members are investing substantial time, effort, and energy into maintaining and managing the center. This detracts from their effectiveness in fostering the local arts community.

4. Barriers to Engagement: The demanding responsibilities of managing the facility deter new board members from joining.

Request: That the City of Brooks considers resuming operational management of The Arts, Culture, and Heritage Centre.

From 2023 Report to Council by Tyler Wardrop - Acting Chairperson

The existing skatepark has deteriorated extensively over the last 15+ years. A contractor will work with local skate/bike park users, members of the community, City representatives, the Recreation and Parks Board and skate park experts to design the facility according to the users' needs and desires, suitable for a wide range of age groups and skill levels.

New Line Skate Parks submitted a proposal and has been recommended as the contractor for all stages of the project:

1. Project Initiation, Community Consultation and Concept Design, Geotechnical Study and Topographical Survey - $64,900

2. Technical Design and Construction Drawings Site, Electrical Engineering / Lighting + Irrigation Design - $87,000

3. Construction, As-Built Drawings, O&M Training estimate - $1.2 to $1.8 million.

Centennial Cup Champions Brooks Bandits sign to be built and hung on the Welcome to Brooks signs, East and West Cassils Rd. and 2nd St. W. North. Costs are $1,891 per sign or 3 signs for a total of $5,675.

Only a vape store will be allowed in the former Esso car wash on Second Street West. A change of use was requested from a truck and car wash to a vape shop, cannabis and liquor store. In Sequins Dance Studio filed an appeal to the Oldman River Regional Services Commission board. “The board finds granting a 100 percent variance is the equivalent of eliminating the standard of development and is not prepared to grant the variances.” the many variances to permit the liquor store were called “excessive”. - as reported in the Brooks Bulletin

Lake Newell Resort Marina Association has requested funding for replacing the Marina boat launch in the amount of $65,800 with funding from the Municipal Reserve.

Municipal Reserve funded projects over the last decade include:

• $6,509 for enhancements to the Newell Sailing Club facility at Kinbrook Island Provincial Park.

• $2,500 for preparing design and construction cost estimates for a playground at Lake Newell Resort.

• $15,000 for renovations to Brooks Legion facility.

• $50,000 for upgrades to Brooks Bombers dressing room facilities.

• $47,000 for upgrades to the Brooks Regional Ballpark

• $12,000 for Rolling Hills ball diamond upgrades (shale, bases)