SNOW ANGEL?

Before we go any further . . . since we got what we were asking for . . . S N O W . . . who has been an angel and cleared the snow for a neighbour who might have forgotten where their snow shovel is?

P.S. Everyone who walks thanks you!

State of the Region was held on January 4, 2024. Mayor Petrie, County Reeve Arno Doerksen, and Alberta Premier & MLA for Brooks-Medicine Hat Danielle Smith addressed a gathering of 150 individuals. Here are a few highlights from the County of Newell summary of the event.

A cornerstone of the region's success is our commitment to water efficiency and the expansion of irrigated land. With a keen focus on economic development, irrigated acres have become a driving force, generating a substantial contribution per acre to the GDP. Also, the JBS project stands out as a testament to entrepreneurial agriculture, showcasing the innovation and tenacity of our local farming community.

Reeve Doerksen emphasized the importance of competitiveness within Canada. Collaborative efforts with municipal partnerships are the backbone of success, proving that working together paves the way for progress.

Mayor Petrie noted the 2023, International Federation of Agricultural Journalists Annual Congress brought global attention to our region's irrigated agriculture, showcasing its accomplishments on the world stage. As well, the Alberta 55 Plus Summer Games brought people from all over.

Premier Smith spoke of how our region's affordability proposal, diverse landscapes, and ongoing projects like the Steveville Helium Purification Facility and Energy from Waste (SAEWA) project position us as a hub for innovation and growth.

Looking ahead to 2024, opportunities include the revitalization of the Crop Diversification Centre (CDC South), improved healthcare services, economic diversification through the agri-food industry, drought recovery funding, affordable living, and continued investment in roads and economic corridors.

EcoBrooks Community Benefit Grant Program application opens February 1st through February 28th. This program provides eligible organizations financial support for projects, events, or initiatives that:

• improve environmental quality

• reduce environmental degradation

• increase community awareness of environmental issues

For 2024, the total grant funding available for all projects is $10,000. Grants may range from $100 and up. Funding applications are accepted for projects within the City of Brooks and the County of Newell. Click here For more information.

Mural to move from Curtis Cleaners (now closed) to StarTech Automotive Ltd. The move of the mural was requested by Communities in Bloom who commissioned the Private Mural.

Vendor Application will be available on Feb 1.

City Public Bus System Pilot will run from May to December the budget is for $124,000. The City is applying for the Rural Transit Solutions Grant to help with the cost. According to the Brooks Bulletin, the last time the city attempted a public bus system was in 2001. “The bus started in September and by December, when ridership was far short of its expected target, it was cancelled. It was expected that there would be 11,000 riders in the first three months, however, there were only 791 riders with a revenue of $1,384.”

recCONNECT. connecting people & recreation Launching in March of 2024. This will be a one-stop digital platform for reserving and paying for facilities located within the County. County facilities and venues can contact Catherine Siakaluk, Communications Officer, to find out how you can get involved in this new initiative.

Increase in dogs at large. Officers are reminding residents that dogs must be on a leash while being walked and to ensure dogs are secured in houses/yards to prevent them from running at large. All dogs are also required to have a City of Brooks pet licence and should be wearing a City pet tag at all times, should an Officer need to identify a dog’s owner. Municipal Enforcement encourages residents to use the City’s off-leash areas for any off-leash fun.

Brooks Music Festival is March 11-15. Registration is online only from Jan 8-26. All ages and skill levels are welcome! Check it out at brooksmusicfestival.ca