Restructure for Joint Services - members reviewed a new approach to strengthen regional partnerships and economic development. This comes after months of work by local CAOs.

Two major changes:

• Replace the Joint Services Committee with a new Intermunicipal Affairs Committee (IAC), focused on collaboration, shared services, and regional advocacy.

• Shift Brooks Newell Region Economic Development (BNRED) from a formal committee to a service agreement, with the City of Brooks delivering regional economic development services under a shared strategic plan.

The IAC would meet 2–4 times a year, involve all elected officials, and guide big-picture planning.

Faster Wildfire Response - County Council approved a new policy to speed up the decision-making process when Alberta requests help fighting wildfires. In past years, delays were caused by needing a Council vote. Under the new policy, if local fire chiefs agree it's safe to send help—and if local coverage won’t be at risk—they can recommend deployment directly to County Administration without waiting for a Council meeting. Although some Councillors expressed concerns about the cost of equipment and volunteer expectations, they were reassured that the Province covers most costs—including damage or replacement of fire trucks—and that volunteer fire chiefs have a strong sense of community needs and conditions.

NewGrow Winners - Pitch Night took place at City Hall on Friday, June 13th.

• The Babe Bar received $1,500

• Dust ‘n’ Wood received $2,500

• TnA Auto Glass received $2,750

• The Focal Eatery received $2,800

• Magnet Signs Brooks received $3,200

• Tilley Car Wash & Storage received $5,000

• Sun Dog Sauna received $7,250

Sunny Skies Ahead 👏👏👏

After a windy Kick-Off and a rainy first Thursday, it’s time for a sunny day. Veterans Park is filling up for a Thursday afternoon full of fresh finds, friendly faces, and that unmistakable market buzz. This is your invitation to slow down, pause and recharge. You deserve a break!

Pick a time, pick a person, and enjoy a break
Thursdays, 2-6 PM in Veterans Park.

Remember to visit the yellow tent to grab a limited-edition Bikes & Baskets insulated Backpack, a $45 value, including $10 Market Money and swag for just $25—while supplies last. While e-bike rentals aren’t available on Thursdays, you can always cycle downtown to the market. Bike racks can be found in front of the Credit Union and City Hall.👍

Costly, Unpredictable Challenge - The County is seeing more frost boils on roads this year than usual. These soft, raised patches in gravel roads are caused when moisture trapped beneath the surface freezes and thaws, pushing up the roadbed. While there’s often talk of digging out and rebuilding problem spots, staff caution that it’s not always worth the high cost. In one subdivision, repairs made just four years ago—for $40,000–60,000—have already failed.

Kinbrook Connection Pathway - is getting closer to completion, but remains closed to the public. Some people have been moving barricades, but officials are asking residents to respect the closure signs. Construction is progressing well, with concrete bases now poured for benches and sun shades. The trailhead plaza is taking shape near the flagpoles at the County Building. Trailhead signage will help users plan for sun exposure, distance, and safety. While there have been suggestions to add more trees or features, the pathway was designed to give scenic prairie views of Lake Newell.

Lake Newell Resort Pathway - on hold until an air release valve is relocated. Nearby residents will receive advance notice once pathway construction is ready to begin.

Local Leaders Hear AHS & RhPAP Insights - Council members recently joined over 25 community stakeholders to discuss rural healthcare challenges and opportunities with Alberta Health Services (AHS) and the Rural Health Professions Action Plan (RhPAP). The meeting included representatives from the City of Brooks, the County, the Village of Duchess, the University of Calgary, Medicine Hat College, local doctors and nurses, and healthcare foundations.

Key takeaways included:

• There is growing support to offer full Registered Nurse (RN) training locally at Medicine Hat College’s Brooks campus. Leaders believe this would help more students stay—and stay working—in the area.

• The maternity clinic sees 40–50 patients per week, many of whom require IV iron infusions that tie up ER space.

• Of the 19 doctors in Brooks, only 10 cover both maternity and emergency services, which puts pressure on scheduling and availability.

• A high volume of ER visits stem from workers needing return-to-work notes, often without access to family doctors.

• Internationally recruited doctors face credit challenges that limit their ability to buy homes or open clinics.

• Participants emphasized that collaboration is key—not just to recruiting doctors, but to keeping them here and ensuring quality care for the whole region.

The idea of creating a "One Clinic" model in Brooks—where local physicians work collaboratively in a single system—was well received by the doctors present. It’s seen as a potential solution to increase efficiency and coverage.

Thank you for sharing LarkSPUR NEWS and spurring others on!
😁👍