Introducing CAO - Brooks City Council chose Chris Parker for his educational background, extensive experience, and diverse skill set as the new CAO. Parker was raised in Calgary and began his career with the Canadian Military Reserves. He transitioned to the private sector, running several small businesses for nearly twenty years. He served as a Municipal Councillor in Nova Scotia for eleven years. Parker's administrative career began in High Prairie in 2011, followed by CAO roles in Beaverlodge, Peace River, and Athabasca. His education includes:

• National Advanced Certificate in Local Authority Administration

• Certified Local Government Manager designation

• Director of Emergency Management designation

• Incident Command System certifications

• Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta

• Masters Certificate in Municipal Leadership from York University

Redesignation received opposition - Council redesignated 815 3rd Avenue East from light industrial to commercial general. The site holds an office with five bays of rental space. The owner intends to expand options for commercial ventures within these spaces. Clarification was provided at a Special Counil meeting that the rental bays are not intended for residential use. Existing businesses also worried that there may be complaints about noise and the presence of heavy trucks. Senior Planner, Gavin Scott pointed out that it would be up to potential renters to recognize the industrial area they're choosing to locate and how it might affect their business.

Redesignation in Lake New Crescent - A proposed zoning change for 5 duplexes on Lake Newell Crescent to address non-compliance raised concerns. The 10 units are zoned low-density but to comply should be zoned high-density. Concerns brought forward by residents in the area include the risk of increased traffic, reduced community cohesion, and a possible decline in property values if a high-density multi-story building were to replace existing duplexes. While there are no plans to make changes to the existing duplexes the residents remained opposed to the proposed redesignation. Council decided to keep the properties that belong to Newell Housing zoned low-density. Should Newell Housing decide to make changes to the properties they would have to seek the appropriate zoning and notices would go out to residents in the area.

Watta Shawarma Food Truck from Airdrie had such a great day at the Downtown Street Fair last week that they are coming to the Brooks Farmers’ Market this Thursday. What makes their food stand out is a combination of quality ingredients, flavour balance, technique and skills, attention to detail, passion and love, and feedback and improvement each contributing to a memorable culinary experience. Watta Shawarma is arriving early on Thursday to serve lunch at noon.

Heritage Fall Fair - Adults and youth are invited to enter their Vegetables and Fruits, Flowers or Plants, Baking, Preserves, Arts and Crafts in the 2nd annual Heritage Fall Fair. The fair takes place 12-4PM, on September 28 at the Brooks and District Museum. For more info email museum@bdmhs.ca.

Freeze-Dried Fruit at Duchess Satellite Market - a delicious and nutritious snack. Roberta’s freeze-dried fruit is available exclusively at the Duchess Satellite Market. Freeze-drying preserves essential nutrients and extends the shelf life of fruit. This means you get all the benefits of fresh fruit in a portable, long-lasting form. Samples proved how good it was last month and she sold out.

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