Quality of Life Snapshot in 2023. Grasslands Regional FCSS released the Brooks-Newell Region Quality of Life Report. The information can help us understand our communities and be used for planning, funding and working together.

REGIONAL SOCIO-ECONOMIC DATA

• In 2021, the population of the Region was 25,028 compared to 24,662 in 2016. This is a 1.5% growth in population compared to a 5% increase between 2011 and 2016.

• The Brooks-Newell Region has a land area of 5836.11 km2 and a population density of 4.29/km2 within the Region as a whole.

• There are 8,635 private dwellings.

• 2,365 households were living within low income-based after tax incomes (LIM-AT), a slight increase from 2016.

• The median Household income was $85,600 (2016: $82,002) and $75,800 after tax median income (2016:$71,271).

• Total Labour Force aged 25+ was 12.675.

• The Top Occupational Category regionally is Sales and Service.

• Top two Industries: Manufacturing Industry and Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting, Industry.

• 55% of the working population were working full-time.

There are 8 Hutterian Brethren Colonies in rural areas of the County of Newell.

AGE RANGE 2021

• The median age in the Region was 39.5 years in 2021 (2016: 38.3 years; 2013: ).

• Bassano had the highest median age at 50 years and Scandia had the lowest at 27.6 years.

• There were 5,585 residents 0-14 years (22.3%)

REGIONAL HOUSING FACTS

• The average assessment value for homes within the Brooks-Newell Region was $258,880.

• 15% of housing was built prior to 2000.

• 6% of housing requires major repairs.

• 6% of housing is not considered suitable to be occupied.

• 14% of individuals spend more than 30% of their household income on housing costs.

• The average monthly housing cost, including municipal property tax and utilities, for an owned residence is $1,186 and $1,029 for rented residences.

FAMILY STRUCTURES

• There are 6395 families.

• There are 3,655 persons not in census families (live alone, with relative or nonrelative).

• 61.1% of persons 15 years and older are married or living common-law.

• 1,645 children are in one-parent families.

• 6,625 children live in two-parent families.

• The average size of census families in the Region is 3.0.

• The average number of individuals per household is 2.7

DWELLING TYPE - Statistics Canada 2021

• Total number occupied dwellings - 8,600

• Single-detached houses - 5,705

• Semi-detached house - 410

• Row house - 635

• Apartment in a duplex style building - 195

• Apartmetn in a building under 5 storeys - 810

• Other single attached house - 15

• Movable dwelling - 830

ETHNO-CULTURAL DIVERSITY

• English - 16,885

• French - 250

• Non-official Languages - 6,825

• The top 5 non-official languages spoken are German (1,485), Tagalog (930), Spanish (740), Somali (670), and Oromo (415).

IMMIGRATION STATUS

• Immigrants - 6,355 - 26.7%

• Non-Immigrants - 16,970 - 71.4%

• Non-Permanent - 410 - 1.7%

COMMUNITY SATISFACTION

• 77.04% in 2022 expressed Overall Satisfaction with the Community.

• 75.9% in 2018

• 77% in 2013

What is your experience of life in Southeast Alberta? The Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta believes that your voice helps them better understand our region. Respond to their VitalSigns survey which should take 5-10 minutes and enter a draw to win 1 of 5 $100 gift cards as a Thank You.

Duchess Farmers Market
Last Saturday of the month. (next Saturday)

This is a Brooks Farmers Market satellite market.

2023 Alberta 55+ Summer Games LAST CHANCE! If you want to be part of the Games as a volunteer and don't want to wear an ill-fitting shirt, REGISTER BY JULY 14th.

Special Council Meeting on Tuesday, July 18 at 1:00 p.m. an item has come up that needs approval prior to meetings being held again. The Meeting will be streamed live on Facebook and YouTube. The one item on the agenda for discussion is allowing the consumption of self brought alcohol in Veterans Park during the August 18th Street Dance being held in conjunction with the Alberta 55+ Summer Games.

Change of Use from Truck and Car Washes to Minor Retail Establishment, Cannabis Store, and Liquor Store was decided at a July 5 Municipal Planning Commission Meeting. The change of use to a liquor store was a discretionary use decision considered and permitted by the MPC. The following criteria was not met: a liquor store shall be located at least 150m away from the nearest dwelling, arena, school (including dance school), religious assembly, day home, daycare, community centre, park, or an existing liquor store. Variances were made for residential properties, Fairview Park, and two liquor stores that are located within 150m of the new liquor store. The change of use to a Cannabis Store was permitted as it met the criteria of not being within 100m of a Provincial Health Care Facility, a School, or any City owned playground structure. A maximum of three Retail Cannabis Stores are allowed in the Commercial Central District (C-C). *This clause may be reviewed annually from the date of cannabis legalization.