Gingerbread House Day

Tuesday, December 12th

A friendly competition with family could be fun to see who can make the tastiest, prettiest, gingery house or if you’re really competitive . . . in 2015 the biggest gingerbread house in the world was created 2,520 sqft., 21-feet high, 35.8 million calories!

NewGrow Fall 2023 Winners - $19,000 of Joint Services funding was awarded to these 6 businesses:

• Wildflower Greenhouse $6,000 for an additional structure.

• The Pack $5,200 to add a grooming room and play structure.

• White Barn Fun Farm $3,000 for a website overhaul.

• Ah Bloom Flowers $2,700 new cooler and heater to offer tulips in Feb.

• Pampered Pooch $2,100 to add a dog bakery.

Brooks Region Tourism’s – $10,000 Experience Development Fund went to:

• PK Experiences for an off-grid cabin camping experience.

Winner of the Fan Favourite contest is The Pack. They will receive a bonus of $500 toward their project.

Lake Newell Resort Pathway Project has completed its formal notification process. Partial funding for the project will come from a local improvement tax in the Hamlet of Lake Newell Resort. Following this, the project will move to the engineering design phase, and the preparation of a construction tender is scheduled for early 2024.

Twinkle Tour Map is prepared! It showcases the most dazzling Christmas light displays in our region. Prepared by Brooks Region Tourism.

County of Newell Electoral Boundary survey results show 62% of respondents in favour of Council proceeding with a redistribution plan. The survey, received 261 responses, a substantial increase in engagement compared to previous surveys. A majority leaned towards a council size of seven. County Administration recommended that nine divisions would minimize the impact on existing boundaries.

The Electoral Boundary Review Process consists of eight phases:

1. Phase 1 (December 7, 2023):

   • Terms of Reference for the Electoral Boundary Review based on nine councillors was adopted.

2. Phase 2 (January 11 and February 1, 2024):

   • Administration presents up to 4 concept maps for Council review, based on 2020 census data.

3. Phase 3 (February 2 to March 4, 2024):

   • Public consultation and engagement.

4. Phase 4 (March 14, 2024):

   • Council reviews public feedback.

5. Phase 5 (March 28, 2024):

   • Development of a single Electoral Division Boundary concept map.

6. Phase 6 (April 11, 2024):

   • Public Hearing.

7. Phase 7 (April 10 to June 10, 2024):

   • 60-day petition period.

8. Phase 8 (June 20, 2024):

   • Council has the opportunity to provide 3rd reading to the bylaw based on the outcome of the petition period.

Brooks Trails Master Plan - If funding becomes available through grants, fundraising, donations, or other means the phases can be completed sooner than indicated in this plan.

Phase 1 (years 1-10):

• Upgrading the 2237m of existing trail around Stafford Lake.

• 668m of new trail along the west side of 12 Street West to Cassils Road West.

• Upgrade existing or install new trail amenities and wayfinding signage.

Phase 2 (years 11-20):

• Upgrading the 971.6m of existing trails at McKay Park.

• 1544.5m new trail around Meadow Lake. This connection will complete the trail loop around Meadow Lake and will improve the recreational opportunities.