Residential Tax Relief - The City Council approved a Residential New Build Incentive Policy in 2023, but new provincial rules require a formal bylaw to offer any tax breaks. City staff are preparing that bylaw. Four new homes approved under the current program will get a tax break for 2025. These tax reliefs add up to about $9,875. Future approvals would only qualify for relief in 2026, after construction is complete and homes are occupied.

Rotary’s “Raise the Flag” - This past weekend, flags were proudly displayed at homes around Brooks, making a strong, positive statement about Canadian pride. The Rotary Club of Brooks is running a fundraiser called Raise the Flag. For $75, Rotary members will set up and take down a Canadian flag three weekends of the year: Victoria Day, Canada Day, and Labour Day. The funds go toward Rotary’s community and international work.

Removing Barriers to Post-Secondary - The Village of Duchess has asked the City of Brooks to support a province-wide resolution aimed at improving access to post-secondary education for rural and remote students. Brought forward to the Alberta Municipalities Convention—where local governments help shape advocacy priorities—the resolution calls for targeted scholarships, academic support, local mentorship, and better coordination between schools and municipalities. Rural students currently face up to $17,000 more in annual living costs than their urban peers due to relocation, putting them at a significant disadvantage.

NewGrow deadline - Application deadline is June 6. Get your pitch ready for $10,000 in funding, plus access to mentorship, promotions, and business support for Learn more and apply online.

2 Weeks Out — Rodeo Weekend Market Kick-Off

A record-breaking Rodeo Weekend Kick-Off! Join us in Veteran’s Park, Saturday, June 7, from 10 - 2 PM for a market day packed with local flavour and rodeo flair. We’re talking live country music, a kid-friendly bull ride, and the launch of our brand-new Bikes & Baskets with e-bike rentals available at the market. With more vendors than ever before, the park will be overflowing with market day fun.

Drive-Through Café - at 907 2 Street West has operated since 2022 . Council granted temporary permits as a short-term solution, with annual reviews. The applicant is now requesting permanent approval to continue operating. Such exemptions are not standard practice, but Council may consider it due to the business’s history and unique circumstances. This decision ties into Council’s strategic priorities on economic growth and future development.

Council to Consider Fee Waiver - The Somali Community Empowerment Association of Brooks (SCEAB) is requesting a fee waiver for their upcoming Somali Heritage & Culture Event, scheduled for June 29 at the Centennial Regional Arena. The rental cost is a little over $750. Council has previously supported similar requests, such as $3,700 for the Koye Larson Memorial Rodeo and $1,800 for Talata Basketball—but the Grants to Organizations fund is already overcommitted for 2025. Council must now decide whether to approve the full fee waiver, offer a partial donation, or decline the request.

Hen Bylaw Keeps Clucking Forward - At the May 5 Council Meeting, the proposed bylaw to formally allow urban hens in Brooks was sent back to Council Committee for further discussion, specifically around the number of hens permitted on larger properties. The current draft allows up to 20 hens on lots over 2,000 m². Only 37 properties in Brooks meet the size and zoning criteria. Any eligible property still needs to pass a site inspection before receiving a hen licence. Council will revisit the bylaw again this week.

Vehicle Thefts on the Rise - Vehicle thefts are on the rise in and around Brooks, according to Staff Sergeant Robert Harms, Detachment Commander of the Brooks RCMP. Residents are reminded to take simple precautions: lock your vehicle, remove the keys, and keep valuables out of sight. Unsecured vehicles are a common target for thieves.

Smoker Wars - The 4th Annual Smoker Wars is Father’s Day weekend, June 13–14, at the Centennial Regional Arena.

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