Doctor Recruitment & Retention Initiatives - Alberta’s new Rural and Remote Family Medicine Resident Physician Bursary Pilot Program offers up to $200,000 to address rural physician shortages. The region may consider additional financial support beyond the current $6,000 housing subsidy.

Business Beautification Program - The Brooks Newell Region Business Beautification Program, running since 2020, has faced declining applications. The Joint Shared Services Committee discussed increasing the grant/loan amount to rejuvenate interest. Further review and discussion are planned.

Saturday Market Pilot - the Brooks Farmers’ Market is adding some Saturday markets to the regular Thursday market dates. The pilot will test if adding Saturdays can better meet the needs of both vendors and shoppers. The goal is to ensure everyone has an opportunity to enjoy the B.E.S.T. little Farmers' Market in Southern Alberta.

Vendor Application goes live on Feb. 1

Uncollectible property taxes - At a recent County of Newell council meeting, a motion was passed to cancel $15,501 in uncollectible 2024 property taxes from companies that are no longer operating. Council will apply for $14,452 in credits through the Provincial Education Requisition Credit (PERC) and Designated Industrial Requisition Credit (DIRC) programs. The Government of Alberta has extended the programs for two more years to help municipalities deal with unpaid taxes from oil and gas properties.

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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