2025 Municipal Election: Candidate Nominations Are Open. Nomination Period is open until September 22. Learn more about the nomination process, eligibility, and the role of a council member for the County of Newell or the City of Brooks.

Summer Games Society Annual General Meeting, January 9th at 11:00am at City Hall. They've been between large events, but have been planning for the future! Email Lisa for more info or attend the AGM to ask questions!

New RCMP Civilian Governance Bodies - By March 1, communities policed by the RCMP must establish governance bodies. The Alberta government requires municipalities to create either local or regional policing groups to set goals, establish policing priorities, and enhance police accountability. According to the Alberta government, "Civilian governance bodies support a paradigm shift that sees local police as an extension and a reflection of the communities they serve." The City of Brooks is requesting approval to form a Municipal Committee, opting out of joining a regional committee, subject to ministerial consent. These committees must be funded by the municipality, which may use the Police Support Grant to cover governance-related costs.

Salt Flats Solar Farm within Brooks city limits is promising significant economic and environmental benefits.

Update on Key Points:

Economic and Environmental Benefits:

• The project will generate $311,000 annually in tax revenue, a significant increase from the current $250 from agricultural use.

• Plans include a 4 km walking trail, eco-shelter belts with three rows of mature trees and native plants, and park-like features to enhance the area and mitigate visual impacts.

Community Concerns Addressed:

• Property Values: Studies on similar projects show minimal to no impact on property values, particularly when projects are community-supported.

• Residential Development Preference: High servicing costs and proximity to feedlots make the solar farm a quieter, less intrusive and practical alternative.

Reclamation and Recycling:

• To address concerns about decommissioning and orphan projects, developers have committed to setting up a reclamation fund of up to $50,000 per megawatt, totalling over $1 million.

• The project also includes plans to recycle solar panels partnering with an industry leader who is establishing a facility with a crushing lab in Brooks. This initiative sets a precedent for sustainable practices in renewable energy development.

Agriculture Integration

• An agri-voltaic approach allows for continued agricultural use alongside solar development.

• Collaboration with experts ensures better land stewardship and weed control, improving agricultural productivity. As it is now considered lower-grade agricultural land (classes 4-5) with severe salinity issues

Support and Collaboration:

• The project received support from Brooks City Council, and the County of Newell recognizing its thorough planning and community benefits.

Next Steps - The Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) will hold a hearing on the project from March 3-7. Stakeholders, including county residents, are encouraged to share their views during the process.

Music Festival and registration - The festival is from March 31 to April 4 Sponsored in part by the Brooks Rotary Club, Brooks Solar II. Registration is online from January 6-31 at brooksmusicfestival.ca 

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