Economic Growth and Future Development - City Council is set to review this part of the Strategic Plan, containing 11 key projects. The Council reviews sections of its work plan regularly to guide budgetary decisions and staff plans. Recommendations and any necessary changes will be determined.

1. Brownfield and vacant lot development.

   -Properties have been identified.

   -Incentives have been created for residential.

2. Alberta Advantage Immigration Program - DONE

   -Attract and recruit foreign applicants to fill local positions.

   -Attract new businesses and investors.

3. Investment attraction

   -investment attraction is ongoing; focus has been on residential home builders and housing development.

   -Several new retail outlets have opened. City owned commercial land may be required as an incentive. Two new commercial strip malls are under development with additional applications expected.

   - Investment attraction is ongoing in the area of hydrogen, energy, agrifood processing and innovation.

4. Affordable housing

   - Grant funding continues to be sought for updating the Strategy with current information.

   - Land has been donated to both Habitat for Humanity and the Brooks Housing Society for future affordable housing projects.

   - Land incentives offered to developers to build/sell homes at a certain price threshold.

5. Explore opportunities for land developments

   - Land identified for consideration (for both future school sites/development).

   - Working with various developers and entertaining offers to sell existing land. Staff is considering hiring a realtor to assist with the process.

   - Incentive options - DONE

6. Tourism discounts for locals to encourage local participation

   - Currently working on a program to increase local knowledge about tourism so locals can promote experiences.

7. Leverage broadband connectivity and market BrooksNET

   - Marketing the network is ongoing as ISPs sign on customers.

8. Old Rodeo Grounds

   - Land committed to Catholic school.

   - A sidewalk or path to the site will be part of the final design with the new school.

9. Downtown Terminus

   - CPKC is currently developing where the potential terminus would have been located; therefore, BRZ will need to search for a new location.

   - Funding was set aside.

   - Gather community and stakeholder input to move ahead? Does the BRZ want this?

   - Public washroom options were explored.

10. Future School locations

    - In progress. Catholic School and French school determined.

11. Cemetery expansion plan/survey

    - Conceptual design should be completed by October 9th, 2025.

Election advertising - Concerns arose in the last municipal election about candidates using large portable signs. Two options are being discussed: allowing limited election advertising on portable signs or prohibiting it altogether.

Skate Park redevelopment - first step was a thorough Site Analysis. The survey found that although issues have developed with the existing skatepark slabs due to poor compaction, the site is suitable for a new skatepark given appropriate preparation. Problem areas in the existing skatepark are primarily due to elevated zones lacking compaction and dated construction techniques.

Brooks Music Festival - Celebrate local talent at the Fall Into Music Concert on October 22, 7 PM at the Trinity Lutheran Church. Free admission, and donations are appreciated.

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