Agritourism Roundtable to bring agriculture and tourism leaders together to grow new business opportunities. Agritourism is an exciting way for local farms, ranches, museums, restaurants and other tourism operators to attract more visitors and spending to the Region. Learn more about Open Farm Days, how agritourism is a growing economic driver and begin planning the upcoming tourism season. Discover ways to diversify revenue and showcase what the Region has to offer! Thursday, May 9, 10-3PM Heritage Inn & Suites, lunch included. Email Jaime at jmcintosh@brooks.ca to RSVP.

Old Rodeo Grounds - Grasslands Public Schools has room for a football field at the new Junior High School location. It will be a multipurpose field, soccer and rugby, however, there is no room for a track. Grasslands would like to relocate the track to Eastbrook Elementary School. They are looking for City contributions and will do some fundraising. The timeline for the new football field is the 2027/2028 football season. With the football field situation resolved, the City will ask Binnie & Associates to develop a new concept plan for the Old Rodeo Grounds.

Unsightly properties - Newell Housing Association is increasing check-ins with residents on Third Avenue and exploring options like different garbage bins and grass removal to improve property appearance. The City can issue fines and clean-up orders for couches/beds left on public property. City Bylaw officers prioritize education and discretion, saying fines escalate legal costs. EcoBrooks Committee/Communities in Bloom will do a community clean-up on July 15.

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Hens on 12 Street West - A resident has requested an exception to the Urban Hen Pilot Program that allows 4 hens. They would like to keep up to 20 hens. Council Committee discussed the request and concurred that no exceptions to the pilot program be made. The City will revisit the pilot program when it expires on January 1, 2025.

Province is closely monitoring snowfall, rain, snow pack and water levels in rivers and reservoirs to prepare for the potential of a major drought this summer. Alberta is currently in Stage 4 of a 5 Stage continuum. Stage 5 would be to declare an emergency under the Water Act giving the province authority to implement restrictions. Options the City could consider to reduce water usage include increasing water rates and not utilizing the non-metered raw water irrigation system in 2024, an educational campaign 100 Ways to Conserve Water, and water rationing/increasing fines in the City’s Water Bylaw.

Acting CAO for the City of Brooks will be Amanda Peterson. Amanda has been employed with the City of Brooks since October 1, 2007.  She has been in the role of Deputy CAO since 2011 and has performed back-up duties for the position of CAO for numerous years. Originally born in the US, she immigrated to Brooks in 2005 and became a Canadian Citizen in 2019. She loves the community and the culture of Brooks, and is proud to represent Brooks and call the City her home.  

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