Former Imperial Oil Site testing - City of Brooks is reviewing a request to install groundwater monitoring wells at 40 Young Road W. This testing will check for contaminated soil and water because the site used to be an Imperial Oil fuel and fertilizer storage facility. If approved, the company must follow rules to protect city property, complete the work properly, and restore the land afterward. This decision could impact future development in the area and ensure the land is safe for future use.

Operation Cold Start - from January 20th - 24th, Members of Brooks RCMP participated in Operation Cold Start. Officers checked unattended idling vehicles to ensure that keys were not left inside and that they were properly secured. During the operation, RCMP found 13 vehicles left idling and unlocked with the keys inside. Officers made contact with 20 vehicle owners and gave them helpful tips on keeping their vehicles safe.

Brooks Newell Hydrogen Hub Project - The County of Newell will oversee the Brooks Newell Hydrogen Hub to introduce hydrogen fuel technology to the region. Phase One will test hydrogen-diesel conversion kits on local vehicles and establish a temporary hydrogen fueling station. If successful, Phase Two will create a permanent hydrogen production and fueling site. The project team has engaged in extensive discussions with various individuals and groups interested in developing a hydrogen economy in Alberta, including local businesses. They are applying for funding from Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA), with support from Premier Smith and Environment Minister Rebecca Schultz. No direct funding is required from the City of Brooks; however, in-kind contributions, such as test vehicles or land for a fuelling station, may be considered.

Help Us Uncover the History of the Brooks Farmers’ Market!

Did you shop, sell, or manage the market in its early days? Do you have photos, memories, or stories about those times? Every detail—big or small—helps us paint a clearer picture of the market’s past!

Seniors’ Week Provincial Launch - The City of Brooks is applying to co-host the 2025 Seniors’ Week provincial launch on Monday, June 2. Proposed celebrations include:

• The “Contributing to our Community” project will highlight the significant impact of local seniors and feature profiles of some seniors from our community. Profiles showcasing their accomplishments will be framed for display throughout the community. This initiative will provide a wonderful opportunity to educate the public and express appreciation for the contributions of older adults in our community.

• Tokens of appreciation for seniors in long-term care facilities acknowledging their leadership, contributions, and invaluable role in shaping the future for younger generations.

Learn more about Seniors’ Week at alberta.ca/seniors-week.aspx.

Sale of Two Lots Below Market Value - The City of Brooks is considering selling two City-owned lots below market value. The combined sale price is $41,585 below the appraised value. These lots are zoned Residential High Density (R-HD) and are located across from the Quad Ball Diamonds.

Unpaid Property Taxes - The City of Brooks is forced to write off $12,223 in unpaid property taxes. Despite the province owning a fully assessed property in Brooks and being billed accordingly, it only remits half of the amount owed, leaving the City to cover the difference. This is part of a growing trend of provincial funding cuts and downloading onto municipalities, which has increased over the past decade. Other impacts include the province taking a more significant share of revenue from municipally issued fines, rising policing costs, continuous reductions in municipal capital funding, and shifting 10% of disaster recovery costs onto municipalities.

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