County Approves Solar for Farm Efficiency - County of Newell Municipal Planning Commission approved three applications for oversized ground-mounted solar arrays intended for individual agricultural use. In one case, nearby landowners submitted letters of concern about glare, sightlines, and snow drifting at the T-intersection of Twp Rd 192 and Rge Rd 140. The installer addressed these issues, noting that the panels will be tilted at 30°, raised off the ground, and set back 85 feet from the road, helping reduce glare and allowing snow to drift underneath. MPC emphasized that while public input is important, these projects aim to improve efficiency by powering multiple irrigation pivots from a single system, supporting long-term agricultural productivity.

Review of Hwy Speed Zone - County of Newell Council is asking the Province to fix a speed zone inconsistency on Highway 873 (Duchess Highway), north of Township Road 192 (Gun Club Road). Currently, the speed drops from 100 km/h to 70 km/h at different spots depending on which direction you're driving—southbound drivers slow down later than northbound ones. This mismatch causes confusion and creates a safety risk near the intersection. Council is recommending the southbound speed zone be moved further north so it lines up with the northbound change. Alberta Transportation agrees that the adjustment makes sense and advised that a formal request must come through the local MLA. A letter is being sent to start the process.

Summer Construction Updates - Residents of Lake Newell Resort can expect construction activity soon, as road rehabilitation work for Blue Heron and White Pelican is scheduled to begin July 21.

The Downtown Street Fair is this Saturday, 10-2 PM
featuring face painting, bouncy castles, e-bike rentals, food, and over 30+ amazing vendors.

New this year: Downtown Brooks Sampler Trail. 👏👏 Pick up your Sampler Trail passport at the big yellow Brooks Farmers’ Market INFO tent and follow the trail to participating businesses. Show your passport at each stop to receive a free sample. Return your completed passport to the info tent for a chance to win a prize!

Vendors will be overflowing Veteran’s Park to the street in front of the park, see map for details. Limited vendor spots remain. Vendor applications are available on the website.

Kinbrook Connection Pathway Updates - The Kinbrook Connection Pathway project is still considered closed, with work progressing on landscaping, slopes, benches, sunshades, and the future trailhead plaza. The bridge at the headgates on the Kinbrook Connection Pathway is fenced off after reports of youth jumping from the bridge, raising safety and liability concerns. The County of Newell hasn’t taken ownership of this section yet—it's still under the contractor’s responsibility. The contractor is required to secure the site until it's officially turned over. Signs are on the way that will clearly state: “No diving, no jumping, no fishing.” – “I don’t need somebody riding by on a bike and getting a hook caught in them,” said the Director of Municipal Services. Once those signs are installed and substantial completion is reached, the County can take over and open the bridge.

Golf Carts on County Pathways? - County of Newell Council reviewed a request for golf cart access on the Kinbrook Connection Pathway. The pathways were designed for pedestrians, cyclists, and electric mobility aids. Gates at intersections were specifically engineered to restrict off-highway vehicles. Comparisons with municipal bylaws in Brooks, Medicine Hat, and Lacombe County reinforced that restricting golf carts is standard for safety and accessibility reasons. Council made no change to the existing policy. Regarding concerns about emergency access Administration will follow up with local EMS to confirm how access is managed in the event of an incident.

Rose Garden Tea - Communities in Bloom invites residents to a summer afternoon Rose Garden Tea on Saturday, July 26, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. This free public event offers a chance to relax and enjoy the CIB Rose Garden located at the Brooks & District Museum, celebrate local blooms, and connect with the community. Everyone is welcome!

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