Solar Lamps and The Medium - A proposal from the Brooks Filipino Organization will be discussed at Tuesday’s Council Committee meeting. The organization is requesting to take over the management of The Medium. They envision The Medium serving as a Visitor and Community Welcome Centre to support tourism development and newcomer integration. In exchange, the group is proposing two initiatives at no cost to the City: an annual Giant Christmas Tree at Veterans Memorial Park; and the installation of solar lamp posts around Lake Stafford featuring symbols representing Brooks’ diverse community. These initiatives are designed to celebrate Brooks’ multicultural identity, enhance public spaces, and position the city as a year-round tourist destination.

Non-Residential Tax Incentive Program - Administration is recommending the City introduce a new incentive program to remain competitive with surrounding municipalities. The proposed bylaw would apply to non-residential construction between April 1, 2026 and December 31, 2028, offering a 50 percent exemption on the municipal portion of the tax increase resulting from new development, for up to five years. To qualify, projects must involve at least $5 million in non-residential construction and create and maintain a minimum of ten full-time jobs, along with meeting permit and tax compliance requirements. Applications would require a $1,200 fee and be reviewed by the Chief Administrative Officer, with the option to appeal decisions to Council.

Customer Code of Conduct - Administration has drafted a policy to establish clear expectations for respectful behaviour when members of the public interact with City employees, elected officials, or representatives. While the Recreation Department already has a discipline policy for patrons, other departments do not. The proposed policy outlines examples of unacceptable conduct, including harassment, excessive or multiple points of inquiry regarding the same issue while a complaint is under investigation, repeatedly challenging investigation findings or denying an adequate response, repeated unreasonable demands or excessive communications. It also details potential responses such as limiting communication to written format, temporary or long-term facility bans, and involving enforcement services if required.

Check out the Snowflake Festival Facebook Page for more details!

Purchasing Policy - which sets the rules for how the City acquires goods and services. The revisions align the policy with the Canadian Free Trade Agreement and New West Partnership Trade Agreement. Notable changes include increasing the direct purchase threshold from $2,500 to $10,000 (with three quotes recommended below that amount), requiring Council approval when the recommended vendor is not the lowest bid or when scope changes from the approved budget, and clarifying that purchases over $75,000 require a formal Request for Proposal or Tender. The policy continues to encourage support for local businesses where compliant with trade agreements and allows the CAO to authorize emergency expenditures in situations involving health, safety, infrastructure risk, or essential services.

Six children. Orphaned in one year. - For Black History Month, the Brooks & District Genealogical Society will present the story of John and Mildred Lewis Ware. Their deaths 5 months appart left six children without parents and marked a turning point in one of southern Alberta’s most recognized ranching families. The presentation will also explore where the Ware descendants are today. The session takes place on February 28, 2026, at 1:30 PM via Zoom. Registration is required in advance for the online connection.

FREE Library Card - Brooks Public Library memberships will be free for the duration of 2026. The standard $10 annual fee for adult memberships is waived for all residents within the Shortgrass Library System until December 31, 2026. The library ended 2025 with a surplus, an uncommon outcome. These funds will be placed in reserve and may be used for acoustic baffles to improve sound quality in the space.

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