IQubed Conference April 18 & 19th organized by the Brooks Newell Region team. *Their website had a malfunction that was not allowing registrations. The Earlybird deadline has been extended until March 8th. Alternatively, e-mail ecdev@brooks.ca with the names of attendees and they will send you a ticket directly with payment details.

The MEZZ, has been a successful after-school drop-in program for youth aged 7-17 offered by the SPEC Association since April 2023. They have had over 2300 drop-ins and positive feedback from both youth and adults.​ They were approved to continue the program for another 2 years out of the JBS Canada Centre mezzanine on Wednesday evenings from 2:00 pm to 6:30 PM

• SPEC provides staff members to facilitate the program.

• SPEC covers all costs of activities.

• SPEC staff ensure the space is cleaned after use.

There is no cost for youth to participate and having the program in the JBS Canada Centre provides a supervised space for youth in the facility.

Rolling Hills Agricultural Academy, set to launch in mid-March. This innovative shift in education is rooted in the area's rich agricultural heritage. Emphasizing hands-on learning and a move away from traditional classrooms. Focusing on solving real-world problems and deeply understanding agriculture.The academy intergrates with the Alberta curriculum. The academy has received support from the County of Newell through consultations and a proposed $1,000 from the agriculture budget. They are actively seeking donations to fund a storage solution for their program.

Canadian Award for Financial Reporting - This award recognizes excellence in governmental accounting and financial reporting and represents a significant accomplishment by a local government. Shelley Thomas, Manager of Finance, at the City of Brooks, has received the award for 12th consecutive year.

Temporary pool closure due to mandatory upgrades. The work went so well that the EID Aquatic Centre was able to open a week early. The pool reopened 9am on Monday March 4th. Registered programming will resume on March 11th.

Compensation for various committee members - The County of Newell Council is considering compensating community members for their roles on select committees. Committees such as the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board and the Assessment Review Board.

Offer of $60,000 was accepted for the former Village of Tilley Office. This property has largely been vacant since it was transferred to the County in the fall of 2013 following the Village's dissolution. Despite efforts to repurpose or sell the facility to benefit the community, it has remained underused, posing a financial strain on taxpayers.

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