JBS Lockers Replacement Project - The County of Newell has approved the City of Brooks’ request for $213,000 from the Regional Enhancement Fund to help replace aging lockers at the JBS Canada Centre pool change rooms. Installed in 2004, many lockers can no longer be secured due to broken locking mechanisms, with no replacement parts available. The $306,000 project will install new lockers, replace damaged bathroom stalls, and add privacy stalls in both the men’s and women’s change rooms.

IAC replacing Joint Services - The County has approved new terms of reference for the Intermunicipal Affairs Committee, launching after the 2025 municipal elections. Councils from Bassano, Brooks, Duchess, Newell, and Rosemary will meet three times a year to coordinate regional priorities, training, and shared services. The committee will host delegations like STARS and the EID. Quarterly CAO meetings will receive updates from key service providers that were created to serve the municipalities in the region, such as landfill, recycling, water, and emergency services. “It gives us a chance to spend more time together, stay on the same page, and work out issues before they become too big,” said County of Newell CAO, Matt Fenske.

Council Compensation Policy - Council approved updates to Councillor Compensation and Expenses, following recommendations from the Councillor Compensation Advisory Committee. Accepted changes include applying a 7% increase to both the basic honorarium and per diem rate. The approved changes raise the Reeve’s monthly base to about $2,206 and councillors’ to about $1,471. Councillor Skriver suggested a raise to $2,500/month, arguing this would “bring us closer to comparable municipalities” and help attract candidates without a second income. Most councillors rejected the larger increases, opting for the more modest adjustment in the committee’s recommendations. The revised policy takes effect at the 2025 Organizational Meeting in October.

Century Farms Honoured - Council celebrated four families who have farmed in the County of Newell for over 100 years. Recipients of the 100 Year Farm Awards were G+H Hammergren (Wayne Hammergren), C.O. Johnson & Sons (Blaine, Holly, and Warren Johnson), Anderson Family Farm (Stephen and Kim Anderson), and Niznik Farms (Jack and Donna, George and Joan, Bruce and Jodi, Brad and Kristin Niznik). Each family received a commemorative yard plaque.

Join us for a special Saturday market celebrating Alberta OPEN Farm Days with Bikes & Baskets, August 16, from 10–2 PM in Veterans Park.

Make a day of it—bike to the market.🚴🏼‍♂️ Leave your bike at the Bike Valet under the big YELLOW tent and grab your Passport* for a chance to win e-bike rentals, Market Money, and more. Enjoy live music, food trucks, and 30+ vendors.

*No bike necessary to pick up a Passport for a chance to win.

No need to wait until Saturday to enjoy the market.

You deserve a break!
Thursday from 2–6 PM in Veterans Park

New Economic Development Agreement - The Agreement maintains the historic $180,000 annual contributions from the City and County, plus adds 2% of each municipality’s Local Government Fiscal Framework grant. Councillor Neil Johnson noted that over a council term, the City and County’s contributions alone total more than $700,000, and called for clear ways to measure results. CAO Matt Fenske said accountability will come from the IAC, where all councillors will help set the economic development work plan, establish targets and measurable deliverables, and receive regular progress updates. He also noted that most of the 2021–2022 work plan has been completed.

Pathway Projects Moving Ahead - Work on the Kinbrook Connection Pathway is progressing well, with the trailhead taking shape and benches and sunshades being installed along the route. Completion is expected by the end of August, with a grand opening date to be shared once confirmed. Construction has also begun on the Lake Newell Resort Pathway. Crews are addressing shallow natural gas lines, while continuing base work and managing delays from wet weather.

$2.6M Grant Secured for Range Road 150 - The County has been awarded $2,628,000 through the Alberta Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program (STIP) for Range Road 150, the southbound connection from Highway 1 near Lakeside Feeders. The project, considered part of the north–south truck route, includes grade widening, surface treatment, and extensive engagement with landowners and utility companies. Originally budgeted to be fully funded from the County’s paving reserve, the grant significantly offsets project costs.

Thinking of Running for City Council? - If you’ve ever considered serving your community on City Council—or are simply curious about what’s involved—the City of Brooks is hosting a Candidate Information Session on Monday, August 19, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at City Hall.

The session will cover:

• What it’s like to run in a municipal election

• Council duties, time commitment, and pay

• Qualifications and how to file nomination papers

• A Q&A with past Council members

It’s open to everyone, whether you’re ready to run or just exploring the idea. To register or learn more, contact Amy Rommens. Can’t attend in person? Alberta Municipalities offers Running for Municipal Office webinars online.

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