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NOV 14 2023

 
LarkSPUR NEWS
 

Council is halfway through its term so it’s time to update the Strategic Plan and Workplan. At the start of each Council term, new Council members and senior staff meet to create a Strategic Plan. This is an update on the work plan:

Economic Growth

  • Brownfield and vacant lot development: Work has not begun on this initiative due to competing priorities.

  • Alberta Advantage Immigration Program: The program has been running for 18 months and is going very well. Brooks is a leader in the Province in terms of implementing this program.

Future Developments

  • Old Rodeo Grounds: Decisions have been made and a plan is being developed for the site. Funding is still outstanding.

  • Downtown terminus: No progress can be made until the BRZ and CPKC (formally CPR) discuss it and make a decision.

Community Viability

  • Public transportation options explored: Options have been explored/created (including maps and routes) and an analysis is currently being completed for each option; options will be presented to Council in the near future.

  • Arts and culture spaces made available: The ACH Board has been utilizing The Medium for this purpose and has been quite successful.

Sense of Belonging

  • Shifting attitudes around calling Brooks "home": Some materials have been created, but a specific focus on "home" is not central. Could become part of Inclusion Coordinator responsibilities.

  • Community events and activities: Several free community events are held throughout the year, more than the targeted five.

Employee Well Being

  • Compensation review: A compensation survey template has been completed for each position within the City.

  • Employee engagement and satisfaction efforts post-pandemic: New HR staff members will address this again in 2024.

Infrastructure Upgrades

  • Address CRA aesthetic issues: Substantially completed in 2023

  • Skateboard Park revitalization/new build: Stakeholder and Geotechnical will be done in 2023 and the final design will be brought to Council in 2024

  • Waste Water Treatment plant: Staff is applying for an ACP Grant to have our existing studies compiled and a new study brought forward with final recommendations of treatment options and updated costs

Outdoor Experiences

  • Dog park: Partially completed in 2023 and fundraising is underway to complete the rest in 2024.

  • BMX Park: location determined and design in progress.

  • McKay Park: Funding received and project completed.

  • Lighted pathways: No progress can be made until the Trails and Beautification Master Plan is completed.

  • Basketball courts: Two new courts to be installed in JBS Canada Park

Dog Park in progress - The project budget was $56,000 plus a $2,300 donation from Smoker Wars. Because of the small budget, the plan was to finish as much of the park as possible in 2023. Fundraising will continue to finish the rest. The following work has been completed:

  • Survey was done to determine park boundaries and property lines.

  • Land divided for a future commercial lot.

  • Maintenance of 50 mature trees (Cottonwoods, Poplars, Russian Olives).

  • Removal of brush and land preparation.

  • Fencing installed for small dog area (0.5 acres, 4ft high).

  • Transition zone fenced with gates for large and small dog areas.

  • Parking lot construction is underway (two approaches off Sutherland Drive).

By the end of November, there will be a usable space for dog owners. While the park is being built, any dog owner can use the fenced small dog area. Work remaining includes:

  • Completion of perimeter fencing.

  • Purchase and placement of garbage cans, benches, picnic tables, and poop-bag stations.

  • Purchase and installation of agility equipment for dogs.

  • Design, purchase and install signage.

  • Install a dog drinking water station, available through an on-site tank.

  • Install overhead lighting for the parking lot.

  • Install small solar lights along the pathways.

An extra $100,000 is needed to fund the remaining work. Fundraising is happening in a multi-pronged approach. Grants, sponsorship packages, social media and email campaign to attract more sponsors. Local stores will join the campaign at the cash register. Customers can buy a paper cut-out for $5, $10, or $20. The anticipated kick-off is February or March. The Dog Park Task Force created a sponsorship program. People can buy a "dog tag" to put on the fence at the Park. The tag can have their pet's name, their name, or their business name. If you're interested in partnering, or would like to make a donation, please contact Lisa Tiffin at ltiffin@brooks.ca

 

"Toys for Tickets" from November 15th to December 8th. Municipal Enforcement has operated the program for several years, allowing residents to settle a $57 parking ticket by donating a new, unwrapped toy. Donated toys go to Scotiabank's Smiles for Christmas, benefiting the community. To qualify, the donated toy must be valued at $30 or more, and participants need to submit a receipt for proof.

 

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