Barry
Morishita City of Brooks Mayor
I am proud and honoured to introduce myself as the new Mayor of the City of Brooks! Brooks is a vibrant, and diverse community that represents the very best of Alberta. I have called this wonderful city home for almost 30 years and I am confident and optimistic for this City’s future.
Photos courtesy Canadian Badlands
and meets at a designated area in town before swarming a local business to go shopping. The event increases short-term sales for the business, as well as long- term awareness of the kinds of goods and services available right in one's own community. Cash Mob shoppers help spread the message about the business after the event through social media.
The Rural Alberta Business Centre in Hanna also works closely with the Town of Hanna and Cactus Corridor Economic Development.
A consultant is working with them and other community groups and businesses to maximize the potential of a new theme selected for Hanna — All Aboard. The phrase All Aboard was a
perfect fit because of Hanna's important railway history. It came into existence in 1912 as a point on the Great Northern Railway and was named after D.B. Hanna, the president of the railway.
In August 2015, a rare and important piece of Alberta's railroad heritage— the Canadian Northern Railway roundhouse — was designated as a provincial historic resource. The Hanna roundhouse, built in 1913, is one of the last original CNR sites in western Canada. It ceased operating in 1961.
The All Aboard theme for the town focuses on rejuvenating Main Street, uniting businesses with a common theme and encouraging tourism.
Locally grown and produced products are being promoted, as is the Ghost Walk at the Hanna Pioneer Museum, to bring visitors to town. In addition to a main building bursting with artifacts, the museum includes a fully furnished one-room schoolhouse, full-sized
steam engine and a one-cell
jail. ■ 89
I look at 2016 as a special time of renewal and possibility, a time for our residents to embark on exciting opportunities, overcome challenges and pursue excellence. Our Council has identified 11 strategic focus areas to guide the development of the City of Brooks. Some of the initiatives include land and business development, capital projects, safe community initiatives and special events that will shape the direction of our community for years to come.
With the recent completion of the Brooks Regional Ball Park, the City will be welcoming a new Western Major Baseball League team called the Brooks Bombers. They are set to take the field in Spring of 2016 and we look forward to sharing our community with this organization. Sports are well supported in our community, evident by the growth and support of the Brooks Bandits Alberta Junior Hockey League team. Our first class recreation facilities have attracted these organizations to call Brooks their home, providing residents with family friendly entertainment and community building camaraderie.
Renovations and expansion continue on the Lakeside Leisure Centre as it is the region’s main recreation centre. The facility includes an arena, curling rink, aquatic centre with waterslide and wave pool, gymnasium, fitness centre and multipurpose rooms. This capital project will see a large field house added to the facility which will accommodate numerous sports and community events. A second addition is the public library, providing triple the space for programs and reading space. In addition, a high efficient gas to power co-generator unit will be installed,
creating efficient heat and power to assist in sustainably operating the facility. Scheduled to be complete in the Spring of 2017, this facility will be seen as an area of community pride. I feel that recreation increases personal health and wellness, creates safe and strong communities and increases cultural unity through experiences that promote cultural understanding and celebrates diversity.
Recreation for all citizens also fosters inclusiveness and vibrancy in Brooks. Diversity is one of our City’s biggest strengths. Brooks is known as the City of 100 Hellos and we are proud to be a welcoming and inclusive community. We also take pride in our ability to work with residents and organizations to create fun and educational events, and programs. Recent events and campaigns the City hosts, include: International Day of Persons with Disabilities Wheelchair Basketball Tournament; Chinese New Year Celebrations; Black History Month; March 21 – Elimination of Racial Discrimination Campaign; Hate Crime Awareness Day; National Aboriginal Day; Canada Day; Taste of Nations and many others. Residents are encouraged to visit City Hall if they have any special cultural days they would like to celebrate and partner with the City on. Other special events in the city include the annual Kinsmen Exhibition and Pro Rodeo, Medieval Faire, Alberta Culture Days, Canada Day activities and much, much more.
Focusing on these and many other projects, Council and staff are committed to preserving Brooks as a healthy, vibrant and sustainable city. Council will continue to meet new challenges and find innovative ways to enhance our community, ensuring exceptional quality of life for our residents. We will continue to work towards long term and sustainable growth and economic development for our community.
Corn Maze Brooks
Just south of Brooks, AB on HWY. 873 Open Weekends August through October
403-793-4034
Look for details on Facebook
41243160•03/29/2016
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