NewGrow Pitch Night competition is slated for Friday, May 31st. Local businesses can receive up to $10,000.00 toward their new or innovative business ideas. Learn more here.

Electoral Boundary Review – Phase 3 – Public Consultation & Engagement County of Newell Council is proceeding with a redistribution of the County's population between a reduced number of nine electoral divisions. The changes are intended to be in place for the 2025 Municipal Election. This reflects a commitment to more effective and equitable governance. Open House: Thursday, February 15, 4:00-7:00 PM at the County Office. Proposed maps and short survey

Pathway projects update: The pathway from Kimbrook Island to Bantry Bay was completed last year but is not being maintained over the winter to avoid damage. A bridge was delivered but the installation of it will depend on the weather. The project's 2024 completion is still anticipated. A conceptual design for the Lake New Resort pathway has been finalized, with an on-site review and community consultation upcoming to ensure alignment with community expectations.

Brooks Region Tourism can promote your upcoming events. Send your event information and posters to info@brooksregiontourism.com. Your events will be in the weekly newsletter and their social media channels. Stay updated and receive the newsletter.

County Drought-Resistant Beautification Program - County council is considering an update to the Rural Beautification program. The proposed changes would include criteria that reward drought-resilient landscaping. This will encourage residents to maintain attractive yards while adhering to water conservation efforts. The council plans to review and potentially revise the beautification program by May.

Increased reports of coyotes causing issues, with some becoming bold enough to enter breeding pens and interact closely with livestock. Coyotes’ have shown increasing comfort with humans in hamlets and around the Lake New Resort as well. The County works with hunters and uses strategies like strategic placement of roadkill to lure coyotes away from populated areas. The goal is to maintain a balance, recognizing the role coyotes play in the ecosystem while mitigating the risks of problematic behaviours. For info contact the Agricultural Service Board.

2023 County Planning and Development Highlights

• Processed 13 subdivision applications, creating 16 new lots.

• Eight new lots at Bassano Airport

• Self-storage facility at Lake Newell Resort.

• Six land use amendments for projects including an electric vehicle charging station and a landfill facility that is waiting for AB environmental approval.

• Issued permits for 13 new single-family dwellings, nine manufactured homes, and several business and home additions.

• Over 400 construction permits applied for in 2023, with a total value of approximately $1.164 million.

• Electrical permits constituted 48% of all construction permits.

Recent amendments to the County's land use bylaw made it more efficient and straightforward reducing red tape. Using historical data permits were identified that could be directly approved due to consistent acceptance in the past. This significantly lessened the workload and expedited the permit process.

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