WHAT IS YOUR WHY? Over 15 years ago I started to put my dream of being self-employed into action. I felt a specialty coffee shop could work in Brooks and began in earnest learning about all things coffee. People love coffee and tea. I wanted to offer a great tasting opportunity for people who wanted a better cup. Customers who appreciated the slower, hand-crafted cup over the quick drive-thru version. Both versions have a place in the coffee world. I’m just providing an option of the version that I particularly love.

What are some CHALLENGES in running a specialty coffee shop? There are challenges big and small at every stage. Of course, the last few years have been particularly hard to navigate for all of us. As a seasoned business owner, I find it challenging to keep up with the latest trends and wants of the customers. It makes it even more complicated when our small cafe and workspace don’t necessarily allow for these new wishes (ie limited food prep space) But we do what we can!

CMHC Housing Accelerator Fund provides incentive funding to local governments to encourage initiatives aimed at increasing the housing supply. The City is considering applying for the funding to invest in housing-related infrastructure. The City will seek assistance from Rural Development Network (RON) to complete the grant application. Considering the cost benefits this grant would provide the cost of $3,500 to complete the application is minimal.

Refresh to the City's branding. The proposed branding was reviewed by a focus group to gather input from the community. Five target demographics were consulted; business owners/professionals, high school students, seniors, new Canadians, and individuals from outside the city. Some of the participants asked for the oil industry to be displayed. However, the logo became too busy.

• The navy and orange colour scheme is meant to invoke a feeling of professionalism and energy.

• The intent of this logo is to display Brooks’ rich agricultural roots.

JBS Canada Centre, Fitness Centre Roof Replacement - Staff evaluated Tenders based on cost, delivery time, product type, product supply availability, reference checks and warranty. The approved budget for the Roof Replacement is just over $325,000 (funding of approx. $65,000 is from the County of Newell lCF), A roofing consultant will inspect the roofing project five times during the installation to ensure work is done correctly.

Brooks Motocross - BFD Alberta Motocross Championship in Brooks, May 13 &14. Race begins at 9:00AM. Two full days of racing, foodtrucks, $5 per person. Flaggers are needed, watch the races from the best seat in the house and get paid. More info here.

Thursday’s 2-6PM
Downtown Brooks in Veteran’s Park

In Duchess - Last Saturday of the Month 10-2PM

City's Welcoming and Inclusive Community (WIC) Committee could be expanded and a full-time staff person hired to support this Committee. The WIC Committee is an inter-agency alliance that works to develop a sense of belonging in Brooks and support the ongoing efforts of connectivity, integration and participation for residents. Ideally, the Committee would have representation from external stakeholders in the settlement and social services realm and include members from community cultural associations.

Know Dementia presented by Prairie Rose Hospice Palliative Care and Alzheimer Society at the Heritage Inn & Convention Centre on June 8th, 9-4PM. Featuring Brooks local resource groups, Q&A Panel with community members sharing their journey, interactive musical experience with guest Erica Phare-Bergh. Lunch and refreshments provided. Registration $20.

Development incentives to encourage residential development. The City of Brooks is looking at development incentives that are currently offered by other municipalities in the province. These are some of the recommended options:

Residential Dwelling Unit(s) New Build This incentive would provide those constructing new dwelling units with the following:

• 100% reduction on the municipal portion of property taxes the year construction;

• 75% reduction for the first year following construction;

• 50% reduction for the second year following construction;

• 25% reduction for the third year following construction.

Discount City Owned Property To generate land sales and spur development, the City may provide a discount on its residential lots.

Offsite Levy Deferral/Relief The offsite levy included in the sale of a lot on 14th Street beside the ball diamonds, would be approximately $8,500. Waiving offsite levies would be a significant incentive but does have drawbacks. Offsite levies fund future infrastructure. If they are waived future developments will have to pick up the shortfall. The other option is to defer the payment of the offsite levies for a period or have them paid over time.

What are your TOP 5 reason’s
to visit a Farmers’ Market