Brooks public meetings in 2024
31 substantive meetings from 2024, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
City Council
City Council will decide on the 2025 Tax Supported Operating Budget ($24,858,900), Rate Supported Operating Budget ($8,676,380), and Capital Budget ($5,328,362). They will also consider designating Magnetsigns Brooks as an authorized sign distributor, approving a Grants to Organizations policy, and reappointing John Arvie Diaz to the Safe Communities Committee. Bylaw 24/26 to establish a Welcoming and Inclusive Community Committee will be introduced for first reading.
- 2025 Tax Supported Operating Budget approval: $24,858,900
- 2025 Rate Supported Operating Budget approval: $8,676,380
- 2025 Capital Budget and funding sources: $5,328,362
- Designate Magnetsigns Brooks as authorized sign distributor under Portable Sign Bylaw 21/09
- First reading of Bylaw 24/26 to establish Welcoming and Inclusive Community Committee
City Council
Brooks City Council is meeting to review the 2025 operating budget, including base budget changes that would result in a 5.03% tax rate increase. Council will discuss additional funding requests, decision packages for capital projects, and a three-year operating budget forecast for 2026–2028. Key items include RCMP cost increases, grants to organizations, and proposed capital projects such as railroad crossing replacement and park improvements.
- RCMP cost increases: $186,500 for 90% cost share, $282,000 annual change, $50,000 municipal decrease
- Base budget changes total $715,091, driving a 5.03% tax rate increase
- Decision packages include $254,614 for 7th Street E railroad crossing replacement and $50,000 for Griffin Park tennis court resurfacing
- Additional operating grants requested: $35,000 increase to Oldman River Regional Services Commission and $15,938 for Brooks Public Library
- Discussion of three-year operating budget forecast for 2026–2028
Council Committee
The Brooks Council Committee will discuss and review several items including a proposed bylaw to establish a Welcoming and Inclusive Community (WIC) Committee, updates to the Grants to Organizations policy, and the Q3 Municipal Enforcement report showing 800 citations and 217 warnings. Other items include the future location of soccer fields, 2025 arena ice installation dates, and an authorized sign distributor agreement.
- Bylaw 24/26 to establish a Welcoming and Inclusive Community (WIC) Committee
- Review of Policy F-001-001 (Grants to Organizations) including annual and community support grants
- Q3 Municipal Enforcement Report: 800 citations and 217 warnings issued
- Future location of soccer fields with proposed field sizes (U7 to U12)
- Arena ice installation dates for 2025
City Council
The City Council is meeting to review and discuss the 2025 Operating Budgets (tax-supported and rate-supported), decision packages, and an environmental and fiscal update. The meeting is informed by the 2025 Budget Survey, which gathered resident feedback on priorities such as policing, snow removal, road maintenance, and recreation. Council will use this input to shape the final budget.
- 2025 Operating Budget – Tax Supported
- 2025 Operating Budget – Rate Supported
- 2025 Decision Packages
- Budget Survey results showing top resident priorities for increased service levels (RCMP/policing, snow/ice removal, storm water, road maintenance, recreation)
- Environmental and Fiscal Update
City Council
Council will hold two public hearings at 5:00 PM on Bylaws 24/31 and 24/32 to amend the Southeast Sector Area Structure Plan and Land Use Bylaw. It will then consider second and third readings of those bylaws. Also, Bylaw 24/33 on municipal elections will be introduced and possibly given three readings, setting advance voting dates and institutional voting locations. Council will also receive an update from the Brooks Health Foundation.
- Public hearing for Bylaw 24/31 (amendment to Southeast Sector Area Structure Plan Bylaw 13/12)
- Public hearing for Bylaw 24/32 (amendment to Land Use Bylaw 14/12)
- Bylaw 24/26 to establish a Welcoming and Inclusive Community Committee (first reading)
- Bylaw 24/33 to establish municipal election rules, with advance voting on Oct 4 and Oct 18, 2025, and institutional voting stations at Brooks Health Centre, Extended Care, Newbrook Lodge, Orchard Manor, Pioneer Villa Courts, and Sunrise Gardens
- Cancellation of the October 20, 2025 Council meeting
Council Committee
The Council Committee is reviewing a proposed bylaw to create a Welcoming and Inclusive Community (WIC) Committee to advise on diversity and inclusion. The body will also discuss international challenge recommendations for Communities in Bloom and a confidential land matter.
- Bylaw 24/26 to establish a 10-15 member Welcoming and Inclusive Community Committee
- Review of Brooks Regional Communities in Bloom international challenge recommendations
- Confidential discussion regarding a land matter
City Council
City Council is meeting to discuss the 2024 Third Quarter Variance Report and 2025 Council Remuneration. The body will also introduce amendments to the Land Use Bylaw and the Southeast Area Structure Plan.
- Bylaw 24/31: Amendment to Southeast Area Structure Plan Bylaw 13/12
- Bylaw 24/32: Amendment to Land Use Bylaw 14/12
- Public hearings for Bylaws 24/31 and 24/32 scheduled for December 2, 2024
- 2024 Third Quarter Variance Report
- Proclamations for International Day of Persons with Different Abilities and Living Wage Week
Council Committee
The committee will discuss the 2025 Council Remuneration Report, which recommends a 2.5% annual salary increase for the mayor (to $72,000 in 2025) and councillors (to $30,000), plus per diem changes. Other items include a speed limit change, a bylaw requiring criminal record checks for election candidates, and reports on strategic focus areas and provincial legislation. Three confidential land matters and one inter‑municipal relations item will be discussed in closed session.
- Remuneration report: mayor salary proposed at $72,000 (Nov 1, 2025) with 2.5% annual increases, councillor salary at $30,000 with 2.5% annual increases, per diem rates set ($80/$145/$285), and expense policy changes
- Speed limit change – staff report for discussion and possible recommendation
- Election Candidate Criminal Record Check Bylaw 24/33 – public hearing and committee action recommendation
- Council Strategic Focus Areas 2021–2025 – review and discussion of progress
- Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act 2024 – information report
Municipal Planning Commission
The Municipal Planning Commission will consider four development applications, including a proposed apartment building with commercial main-floor uses and variances for parking and height. Also on the agenda are a new public works building, a shipping container use, and a change of use to personal services. The commission will also approve minutes and receive a list of development permits issued in October.
- 24-D-89: Apartment building with commercial ground floor, parking and height variances (Lot 1, Block 6, Plan 0512323, Cira Homes/EFG Architects)
- 24-D-95: New public works building at 204 7 Street East (permitted use, no variances)
- 24-D-91: Discretionary use for shipping containers at 1260 Cassils Place East
- 24-D-96: Change of use from repair shop to personal services at Bay 3 - 775 Sutherland Drive East
- Approval of minutes from October 2, 2024 and receipt of development permits issued October 2024
City Council
Council will vote on adopting the 2025 Budget Guidelines and Timelines, and decide on grant applications for a wastewater treatment plant project and runway lighting replacement at Brooks Regional Airport. A donation request from Brooks Minor Hockey Association and an appointment to the Municipal Planning Commission are also on the agenda. A proclamation for International Day for Tolerance is scheduled.
- Adoption of 2025 Budget Guidelines and Timelines
- Application for Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership grant for a Wastewater Treatment Plant project
- Application for Community Airport Program grant under Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program for Brooks Regional Airport runway lighting replacement
- Appointment of Duane Perkins to Municipal Planning Commission for a two-year term
- Donation request from Brooks Minor Hockey Association for up to 60 youth recreation passes per tournament for three seasons
Council Committee
This Council Committee meeting will review and discuss the 2025 Street Improvement Program and Work Plan, the Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership Grant (report to follow), and the Council Strategic Focus Areas 2021-2025. Two items are held confidential: a land matter and intermunicipal relations. The street program includes specific road overlays and concrete work estimated at over $2 million per year for five years.
- 2025 Street Improvement Program: 1st Avenue overlay from 3rd Street East to 7th Street East ($536,252), 4th Avenue from 3rd Street West to 10th Street West ($611,795), and other streets totaling $2,012,021 for 2025.
- Multi-year street plan: 2026 projects include 1 Street East, Centre Street, 7 Street East ($1,868,124); 2027 includes Prairie Meadows Close, Industrial Road, Ingram Park Drive ($1,856,349); 2028 includes Young Road West, Beamish Park Drive ($2,014,485); 2029 includes Pleasant Park Road, Coultis Court ($1,850,697).
- Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership Grant – report to follow, to review and discuss.
- Council Strategic Focus Areas 2021-2025 update including physician/veterinarian recruitment, public transportation options exploration, waste diversion, arts and culture spaces, and community policing mix.
- Confidential items: Land Matter (Section 16 FOIP) and Intermunicipal Relations (Section 21 FOIP).
City Council
City Council will hold a public hearing and consider the adoption of Bylaw 24/25 to amend Land Use Bylaw 14/12. The meeting also includes appointments to the Safe Communities Committee and the Brooks and District Recreation and Parks Board.
- Public hearing for Bylaw 24/25 (Amendment to Land Use Bylaw 14/12)
- Appointment of Laura Lukye to the Safe Communities Committee
- Reappointment of Patti Jones to the Brooks and District Recreation and Parks Board
- Review of September 2024 RCMP report
- Adoption of Bylaw 24/25
City Council
City Council held an organizational meeting to establish leadership roles and committee assignments for 2024/2025. The body appointed a Deputy Mayor, an Acting Mayor, and assigned councillors to various local and regional boards.
- Appointment of Joel Goodnough as Deputy Mayor
- Appointment of Mohammed Idriss as Acting Mayor
- Council appointments to the Municipal Planning Commission (MPC)
- Council appointments to the Intermunicipal Development Plan Committee (IMDP)
- Council appointments to the Newell Regional Services Corporation (NRSC)
Council Committee
The Brooks Council Committee will review and discuss the final concept design report for the skatepark redevelopment (for information only), a progress update on the Council Strategic Focus Areas 2021-2025 workplan, and a proposal regarding portable signs for elections. The strategic focus areas update includes status reports on economic growth, affordable housing, and future development projects.
- Skatepark Redevelopment Final Concept Design Report presented by Trevor Morgan Design
- Council Strategic Focus Areas 2021-2025 workplan progress update
- Portable Signs regulation discussion related to elections
- Brownfield and vacant lot development, including Old Rodeo Grounds land committed to Catholic school
- Affordable housing initiatives including partnerships with Habitat for Humanity and land incentives
City Council
City Council will discuss proposed updates to Building, Development and Planning Application Fees. The body is also reviewing an amendment to Land Use Bylaw 14/12 and several board appointments.
- Proposed Building, Development and Planning Application Fees effective November 1, 2024
- Public hearing set for October 21, 2024, regarding Bylaw 24/25 (Amendment to Land Use Bylaw 14/12)
- Termination of Jim Third's appointment to the Municipal Planning Commission
- Reappointment of Sarah Zottl to the Brooks Library Board
- Proclamations for Women’s History Month, International Day of the Fight Against Breast Cancer, and others
Municipal Planning Commission
The Brooks Municipal Planning Commission will meet on October 2, 2024, to consider a discretionary use application (24-D-84) to change an education facility to a daycare at 1308 2A Street West. The commission will also receive a list of development permits issued in September 2024. The meeting includes adoption of previous minutes and media questions.
- Discretionary use application 24-D-84: Change of use from education facility to daycare at 1308 2A Street West (Lots 1-2, Block 2, Plan 7711348, Zone C-G)
- Report on development permits issued September 2024
Municipal Planning Commission
The Municipal Planning Commission is meeting to discuss several development applications, including a change of use for a business and new residential builds. The body will also discuss whether future meetings should be held in-person at City Hall or virtually via Zoom.
- The Pack Ltd. (24-D-78): Change of use from Light Manufacturing to Kenneling at 328 8 Street East
- Kumar Homes Ltd. (24-D-80): New attached housing (2 units) and secondary suites at 1508-1510 2 Avenue East
- Wembley Homes (24-D-82): Multi-unit dwelling (8-plex) at 264-268 16 Street East
- Wembley Homes (24-D-83): Multi-unit dwelling (8-plex) at 335-339 16 Street East
Municipal Planning Commission
The Brooks Municipal Planning Commission voted to approve a development application for an eight-unit multi-dwelling at 311 and 315 16 Street East, with a reduced parking requirement of seven stalls instead of the usual twelve. The decision included 13 conditions, such as lot consolidation and payment of offsite levies. Commissioners also accepted a summary of development permits issued in July 2024 as information.
- Approved 8-plex (multi-unit dwelling) at 311 and 315 16 Street East (Lots 4-5, Block 10, Plan 9813007)
- Parking requirement reduced from 12 to 7 stalls, with stacked parking allowed per Land Use Bylaw 14/12
- Adjacent property owner opposed the parking variance in person at City Hall
- Conditions include lot consolidation, offsite levies (Bylaw 21/24), and safety codes permits
- Media question clarified that future redesigns may require a new MPC application
City Council
Council will decide on awarding a $457,250 contract for the Sunnylea Lift Station generator replacement to Spider Electric Ltd., approve a tax sale scheduled for November 25, 2024, and give second and third reading to Bylaw 24/21 authorizing a franchise agreement with ATCO Gas. Also on the agenda are a proclamation for Truth and Reconciliation Day, a reappointment to the Municipal Planning Commission, and appointments for a Community Peace Officer as Licence Inspector, Inspector under the Weed Control Act, Development Officer, and Pest Inspector.
- Award of Sunnylea Lift Station generator replacement to Spider Electric Ltd. for $457,250.00 from the Sanitary Sewer Reserve
- Tax sale of properties set for November 25, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. in Council Chambers with minimum 10% deposit
- Bylaw 24/21 – second and third reading to authorize an agreement with ATCO Gas and Pipelines Ltd.
- Proclamation of September 30, 2024 as Truth and Reconciliation Day in Brooks
- Reappointment of Dave Zukowski to the Municipal Planning Commission for a third term ending October 19, 2026
Council Committee
The Brooks Council Committee will discuss and potentially take action on several items, including a bylaw to establish a Welcoming Inclusive Committee, park renaming criteria, and a speed change in an alley. Information items include the Grasslands Regional FCSS strategic plan, a Q2 2024 municipal enforcement report (340 citations), and a traffic bylaw fine comparison.
- Grasslands Regional FCSS strategic plan 2024-2028 (for information)
- Q2 2024 municipal enforcement report — 340 citations total (for information)
- Traffic Bylaw fine comparison (for information)
- Park renaming criteria (committee action recommendation)
- Welcoming Inclusive Committee (WIC) bylaw (committee action recommendation)
City Council
The council will vote on several proclamations, a $14,925 membership with the Palliser Economic Partnership, and appointments of development officers. They will also consider three readings for a Youth Advisory Committee Bylaw (24/24) and a School Reserve Bylaw (24/27), and introduce a Land Use Bylaw amendment (24/25) with a public hearing set for September 16. A closed session on a confidential land matter is scheduled.
- $14,925 membership with Palliser Economic Partnership funded from the Joint Shared Services Committee budget
- Bylaw 24/24 to establish a Youth Advisory Committee given three readings
- Bylaw 24/25 amendment to Land Use Bylaw 14/12 with a public hearing on September 16, 2024
- Bylaw 24/27 designating a parcel of land as School Reserve
- Appointment of Bailee Boulet and Bryce Mackan as Development Officers and Licence Inspectors
Council Committee
The Council Committee will discuss and consider several items, including a request from the Grasslands Soccer Association for a long-term lease on land for soccer fields, a request from the Brooks Lacrosse Association for reduced facility fees due to a tournament shortfall, a bylaw from the Youth Advisory Committee, and two confidential matters. No decisions are recorded; all items are either for information or committee action recommendation.
- Grasslands Soccer Association requests a low-cost, 99-year lease for land to build and maintain soccer fields (options include Old Rodeo Ground, Meadowbrook, and others)
- Brooks Lacrosse Association asks for reduced floor time costs after the Macdonald Cup tournament had a $7,500 shortfall due to fewer teams
- Youth Advisory Committee Bylaw 24/24 is presented for review and discussion
- Brooks Bandits delegation and invoice request (PBR invoice) are listed for discussion
- Two items are held confidential under FOIP Sections 16 (land) and 17 (personnel)
Municipal Planning Commission
The Municipal Planning Commission will meet to consider a development application for attached housing and secondary suites. The body will also review development permits issued in July 2024.
- Application 24-D-62: Attached housing (4 units) and secondary suites at 311 and 315 16 Street East
- Parking variance request for 311 and 315 16 Street East
City Council
Council adopted an amendment to the Land Use Bylaw removing a specific lot (Lake Newell Crescent East, Lot 81, Block 6) and Schedule D. They also gave three readings and adopted Bylaw 24/23, amending the Animal Control Bylaw. Additionally, Chris Parker was appointed Chief Administrative Officer effective July 22, 2024.
- Bylaw 24/20 amended to remove Lake Newell Crescent East, Lot 81, Block 6, Plan 7811182, and Schedule D from the Land Use Bylaw
- Bylaw 24/23 adopted to amend the Animal Control Bylaw (Bylaw 21/20)
- Chris Parker appointed as Chief Administrative Officer effective July 22, 2024
City Council
The council will vote to adopt amendments to the Safe Communities and Waste Management bylaws. They will also introduce new land use bylaw amendments and review an ATCO Gas franchise agreement. The meeting includes several proclamations and administrative appointments.
- Adoption of Safe Communities Committee Bylaw (24/18)
- Adoption of Waste Management Bylaw amendment (24/22)
- Introduction of Land Use Bylaw amendments (24/19 and 24/20)
- ATCO Gas Distribution System Franchise Agreement Bylaw (24/21)
- Closure of delinquent general AR accounts totaling $21,679.46
Council Committee
The committee will review an amendment to the Safe Communities Committee Bylaw regarding meeting frequency requirements. Members will also discuss a list of municipal policies proposed for rescission. The agenda includes presentations from the Brooks Bandals and Social Impact Lab.
- Amendment to the Safe Communities Committee Bylaw (Bylaw 24/18)
- Review of various municipal policies proposed for rescission
- Brooks Bandits delegation regarding a PBR invoice
- Social Impact Lab presentation
- Confidential discussions on land matters and future development
Municipal Planning Commission
The Municipal Planning Commission is reviewing several development applications, including two proposals to convert existing buildings into daycare facilities. The agenda also includes a change of use for a bar/lounge and the construction of Brooks Junior High School.
- Change of use from vacant building to daycare at 119 1 Avenue East (24-D-45)
- Change of use from personal service to daycare at 1308 2A Street West (24-D-46)
- Change of use from government and public services to bar/lounge at 328 7 Street East (24-D-47)
- Construction of Brooks Junior High School with a parking variance at 124 4 Avenue East (24-D-48)
City Council
The City of Brooks will consider a $278,976.35 purchase for a regional fire safety trailer. Council will also hold a public hearing regarding amendments to the Land Use Bylaw. Additionally, the agenda includes approving a new multi-family development permit and a water and sewer connections policy.
- $278,976.35 purchase of 2024 Regional Fire Safety Trailer from JHB Group Inc.
- Public hearing and adoption of Bylaw 24/16 (Land Use Bylaw amendment)
- Approval of Development Permit #24-D-44 for a new multi-family development
- Adoption of Water and Sewer Service Connections Policy E-002-007(A)
- Approval of the amended Grasslands Regional FCSS Agreement
Council Committee
The committee will review a request from Christ the Redeemer Schools regarding space at the JBS Canada Centre. Members will also discuss the City’s Water and Sewer Connection Policy and permit procedures. Information regarding gender-neutral washrooms at the JBS Canada Centre will be presented.
- Request for Christ the Redeemer Schools to use JBS Canada Centre space
- Information regarding gender-neutral washrooms at JBS Canada Centre
- Review of City Water and Sewer Connection Policy
- Discussion of water and sewer connection permit procedures
Municipal Planning Commission
The Brooks Municipal Planning Commission is reviewing a request to extend the development permit for a 43-unit apartment project at 104 1 Avenue West until May 31, 2025. Staff recommends approval because the developer needs additional time to finalize financing with CMHC and National Bank amid rising construction costs. The proposed project includes 11 affordable rental units priced at $1,120 monthly under CMHC guidelines. The commission also reviewed administrative updates, including previously issued development permits and minutes from a prior session.
- Request to extend development permit 20-D-51 for a multi-family building at 104 1 Avenue West (Zone C-C) until May 31, 2025
- Review of minutes from the regular meeting held on May 1, 2024
- Correspondence listing development permits issued between December 2023 and May 2024
City Council
The City Council will consider awarding the 2024 Street Improvement Project tender to Brooks Asphalt and Aggregate Ltd. for $2,574,854.00. The agenda also includes first readings for amendments to the Land Use Bylaw and the EcoBrooks Bylaw. Additionally, council will review proposed hours of operation for the Centennial Regional Arena.
- $2,574,854.00 contract for 2024 Street Improvement Project
- First reading of Land Use Bylaw amendment (Bylaw 24/16)
- Adoption of EcoBrooks Bylaw amendment (Bylaw 24/17)
- Proposed hours of operation for Centennial Regional Arena
- Proclamations for Pride Month, Pollinator Week, and National Indigenous Peoples Day