REMARKS FROM INTERIM CEO DOUG LAGORE – Interim CEO Doug Lagore spoke at the Brooks Leadership Breakfast. With close to 50 years of experience in local government, he has worked in many communities across Alberta. He recognized that the regional relationship in this area is the best he has seen. Lagore outlined the orientation process that began immediately after the October 20 election, including a session with George Cuff. He stated that this council received the best orientation in the history of Brooks. Lagore called the city’s staff an outstanding team and advised newly elected officials to stay focused on governance and not cross into administration. He said that in Chestermere, council’s involvement in administration led to it becoming, in his words, “the most dysfunctional Council anywhere and ridiculed across Canada.”

WHO WILL MAKE DEVELOPMENT DECISIONS? - Council is looking at whether the structure of the Municipal Planning Commission (MPC), a group made up of five public members and two councillors, should stay the same or change. Options range from keeping the MPC as-is, adjusting its membership or decision-making powers, shifting more authority to the Development Officer, or even removing the MPC and placing all decisions with staff. The MPC decides on discretionary uses, large variances, extensions, similar-use rulings, and all subdivision files. Staff handle most standard permits and smaller variances.

BOARDS AND COMMITTEES PROPOSED FOR CLOSURE - At the Organizational Meeting, the City did not appoint members to the Arts, Culture & Heritage Board, EcoBrooks, or the Youth Advisory Committee. These groups will be officially closed effective January 1, 2026. The City provided $15,000 to the Arts, Culture & Heritage Board and $20,000 to EcoBrooks, for community grants. With these committees closing, those grant allocations will no longer be distributed, resulting in cost savings for the City.

40,000 YOUNG WOMEN STEPPED UP - During the Second World War, more than 40,000 Canadian teenage girls left home to keep farms running. A new 50-minute documentary, We Lend a Hand, brings their courage and grit into the light. After the film, author Bonnie Sitter and filmmaker Colin Field will join us live on Zoom for questions and conversation. The Brooks and District Branch of the Alberta Genealogy Society is excited to bring this story to Brooks. This premiere is a chance to feel connected to these stories of courage. The screening takes place at the Brooks Public Library on Saturday, November 29 at 1:30 PM, with light refreshments provided.

HIGHWAY SPEED LIMIT INCREASE - The Government of Alberta is asking the City of Brooks for feedback on a proposal to raise speed limits from 110 km/h to 120 km/h on select divided rural highways. A 2024 public survey showed 58 per cent of 1,203 respondents supported the increase, and a second public survey is currently open on the provincial website. Highways under consideration include the Highway 1 segment that runs directly north of Brooks. Local consultations were held with the RCMP Detachment Commander, Fire Chief, and Lead Community Peace Officer. Concerns were raised about the Highway 1 and 36 junction and the Highway 1 access to the JBS facility.

UPDATING CEMETERY BYLAW - Last year, the City completed a Cemetery Master Plan. As part of that work, consultants from LEES & Associates reviewed and updated the City’s Cemetery Bylaw to match current best practices and reflect how the Cemetery has actually been operating in recent years. Major changes include: updated timeframes for items left at the Cemetery; confirmation that items may be removed by the City; plots may not be transferred to another person and can only be transferred back to the City; the addition of natural burial; the addition of scattering cremated remains and a related fee; the addition of a perpetual care fee; and increases to most fees. Cemetery fees were last increased in 2009. The bylaw is being presented to Council for formal approval.

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