Citizen's Committee has reviewed and recommended salary updates for the Mayor and Councillors in Brooks. A long-standing policy requires a Citizen’s Committee review before each election. The Citizen Committee included two local professionals and a former Councillor. There were no salary increases in the previous term. Proposed changes will bring Brooks' salaries closer to the average, although they will still be the lowest among comparable municipalities. The Citizen Committee emphasized that the goal is to provide officials with fair pay for their time and to attract strong candidates. These wage increases will not apply to this current Mayor and Council. Salary changes will come into effect after the Oct 2025 municipal election. To help potential candidates prepare, the City is planning a pre-election orientation in the spring. This event will outline Council responsibilities and remuneration.

NewGrow is a program aimed at supporting new and existing businesses in the Brooks Newell Region. Businesses make a pitch to a panel of judges and compete for up to $10,000 in grant funding plus valuable business services, promotions and mentorship.

Application available online - HERE
Application packages due: November 29
Pitch night: December 6 

Break and Enter - Brooks RCMP responded to a report of a break and enter in progress. When they arrived, they found a man inside the home. He was arrested and charged with breaking into the house, causing damage, and two counts of failing to comply with a release order. He remained in custody until his bail hearing. RCMP liaisoned with the Canada Border Services Agency and Jann Capco, who has had multiple arrests, no longer resides in Canada.

New development - Land located north of the Francophone School requires a Land Use Bylaw amendment. The property is intended for a mixed-use development with commercial space on the ground floor and residential apartments above. Council will hold a public hearing on December 2, to discuss the proposed changes.

A more affordable place to live - Brooks has announced its 2024 living wage rate of $18.50 per hour. This covers the costs of basic necessities like housing, food, transportation, and childcare. Rising rent costs meant increases in the living wage but overall the rate is lower. Brooks’ living wage is based on data collected directly from our community. The main reasons for a decrease in the living wage are:

• Childcare costs: Increased childcare subsidies and grants allow families to save about $2,000 annually.

• Electricity costs: Lower regulated electricity rates save the average household over $1,000 compared to last year.

• Clothing and footwear expenses: Spending trends show reduced household expenses on clothing.

Brooks is encouraging local employers to join the Living Wage movement by paying their staff at least the living wage. Currently, two local employers are certified, and efforts are underway to recruit more.

Duchess Farmers’ Market - Remember the last days of summer? 😉 If you attended the Last Saturday Market in Duchess we are looking for some feedback about the event. Click HERE for one question survey 😁👍

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