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1. Why was my garbage NOT picked up?

There could be several reasons why your garbage was not picked up. One reason could be the placement of your bin. Residences will either have a front street or back alley pick up. Back lane pickup is dependent on the width of the back lane and obstacles such as power lines and trees. Front pickup is dependent on front attached garages and regular snow removal routes.

Either way, here are some tips as to how to correctly place your bin in the back alley/front: Tip #1: Park It - Park your rollout on level ground at your curb or in your back alley. Tip #2: Space It - Space your rollout at least 1 meter from any objects such as vehicles, light posts, fences, etc. There must be at least 1 meter of free space behind it and on all sides. Tip #3: Take It - Take your rollout back onto your property by 7 p.m. on your collection day.

Another reason your garbage may not have been picked up is that you've either placed your bin out on the wrong day, or a non-pick up day, such as a holiday. Please phone the Public Works shop at 403-362-3146 and they will look into the issue.

2. Where can I find information about events in the area?

Brooks Region Tourism has a comprehensive list of all the events happening in the City of Brooks and County of Newell. Please visit their website at https://brooksregiontourism.com/ for more information.

3. What is the balance of my water bill?

You can access your billing history through Online Account Information. City of Brooks

4. What’s the phone number for______?

If you're looking for a business or service in particular, please visit www.livenewell.com, www.visitnewell.com or opportunitynewell.com

Both of these websites have information pertaining to businesses and services within the City of Brooks and County of Newell.

5. Why is my water bill so high?

Your bi-monthly utility bill includes charges for your previous two months of garbage, recycling sewer and water consumption. Bills are mailed or e-mailed by the 15th of the month following a billing period. Billing history and bi-monthly water consumption information is available through the City’s Online Account Information portal.

6. Why are my taxes so high?

The amounts typically included on the tax notices are:
1. Property tax levy, which includes:
a) The Alberta School Requisition which is passed on to the Province;
b) The Newell Foundation Requisition which is passed on to them for seniors lodging; and,
c) Municipal portion of taxes which is used by the City to provide municipal services.
2. Repaving tax, which is a special tax levied for the repaving of the streets in the City.
3. If you are hooked up to surface irrigation, this charge will also be included on your tax notice.

Municipal taxes go toward many services including but not limited to:
1. Protective services such as Policing, Fire Services & Bylaw enforcement;
2. Road maintenance including snow clearing & street sweeping;
3. Park maintenance;
4. Recreation programs and facility maintenance (also subsidized by user fees); and,
5. Community programs & facilities such as the Library, Museum, FCSS and the Handibus

To learn more about municipal taxes, please visit the Finance section on this website.

7. What are the City's hours of operation?

The City of Brooks City Hall office is open Monday through Friday 8:15 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Also open throughout the noon hour). We are closed on Statutory Holidays.

The Public Works & Parks Office is open 7:30-4:30 and is closed from noon-1:00pm. Public Works and Parks are also closed on Statutory Holidays.

8. What do I do if I have an inquiry about the cemetery?

Customers may call the City Office or Public Works to receive help in locating deceased persons. Customers may also contact the City Office or Public Works to receive assistance in pre-planning and interment services.

9. How can I find out where people are buried in the cemetery

We currently offer residents to complete online cemetery searches on our 'My Brooks' Online Services Webpage

10. Who do I call if I am having problems with an animal in my area?

If you are having problems with animal control or pet bylaws: Please call Animal Control at 403-362-2331. Please ensure that you leave your name and a call back number and a member will return your call within 24 hours.

11. How do I go about renting the Kinplex Building?

To rent the Kinplex Building, please contact the Kinsmen at 403-501-4271.

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1. I am thinking of starting a business within my home. What is required?

To apply for a Home Occupation Business License you need to complete the following:
- Development Permit
- Home Occupation Questionnaire
- Business License Application Form
- Customer may also be required to inform his/her neighbors of intent to operate a home based business. At least four signatures required for the home occupation consent form.
All applications and forms are available at the City office. For further information contact Development Services.

2. Do I need a building permit to put up a fence?

A permit is not required to build a fence as long as it meets the required land use bylaw. The fence must be on property line or inside property line, it must be a max of 2 meters high in the back yard (up to the front corner of the house) and a max of 1-meter-high in the front yard.

3. Can I erect a temporary canvas or vinyl covered garage on my lot?

The city does not allow canvas or vinyl covered garages in residential areas.

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1. Are committee and council meetings open to the public?

Yes, all Committee and Council meetings are open to the public and are held at the City Office. It should be noted however that the Municipal Government Act allows for meetings to be held behind closed doors (In Camera) in certain circumstances. In these cases, the Mayor and / or Chairman may ask non-committee / council members to leave the room.

2. Can I speak at Committee and Council Meetings?

Committee Meetings
- Members of the public are permitted to attend committee meetings by request in writing. Contact the Executive Assistant at 403-362-3333. The request is then reviewed by the CAO to determine if the issue requires the attention of the Committee or if staff can resolve the matter.
- Council Committee meetings are held twice a month on the second and fourth Tuesday at 9 a.m. in the Hayes Room in City Hall.
Council Meetings
- Members of the public wanting to address Council must contact the Executive Assistant to register at 403-362-3333.
The following are the general rules of conduct when a member of the public is speaking at a Council Meeting:
- Come forward to the staff table; Speak directly into the microphone; Introduce yourself and spell your name; Address the Mayor as "Your Worship".
- Please note the delegations are provided a time frame of 10 minutes unless extended by approval of Council.

3. Can I circulate a petition?

Yes, residents can create and circulate a petition to be submitted to Council. There are specific requirements of petitions in Alberta and in order for the petition to be accepted and acted upon, it must comply with these regulations. View more information on petitions (PDF).

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1. What happens when I get a bylaw ticket?

A bylaw ticket is issued by a Bylaw or Peace Officer from the City of Brooks when a Bylaw is contravened. The ticket outlines the following:
• The offence description with the bylaw
• The offence date and time
• The penalty amount
• The description of the vehicle, animal or location
• The date the bylaw ticket must be paid by

2. How do I pay for a bylaw ticket?

Your bylaw ticket must be paid in full at the City of Brooks Office during office hours. Please present your ticket or a copy of your ticket at the following location:
201 - 1st Avenue West
Hours: 8:15 am – 4:30 pm Monday through Friday.

3. What happens if I do not pay the bylaw ticket?

If a bylaw ticket is not paid in full a Provincial Violation ticket is created for processing and forwarded to the individual/company with a letter outlining the offence. This ticket must be paid in full at your local provincial court during office hours. This ticket will have the required court appearance date printed on it. Failure to attend court may result in a conviction in absence. Please be aware that additional penalties and motor vehicle services denial may be put into effect until all fines and penalties are paid. In some cases, a provincial warrant can be issued. How do I make an inquiry about a bylaw ticket or provincial ticket? If you have questions about a ticket you have received, please contact: Manager of Administration 201 - 1st Avenue West Brooks, AB T1R 1B7 403-362-3333 Hours of Operation are 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

4. How do I appeal a ticket?

If you wish to appeal the Bylaw Ticket, a person charged can wait for the Bylaw Ticket to expire and then a Provincial Ticket will be issued with a court date and at that time the person can plead not guilty and have a trial.

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1. When were tax notices sent out?

The 2023 combined Property Assessment and Tax Notices will be mailed out prior to May 30th, 2023. If you do not receive your notice, make sure you give City Hall a call and they can provide you with a re-print.

2. What charges will the average resident see on their City of Brooks tax notice?

The amounts typically included on the tax notices are:
1. Property tax levy, which includes:
a) The Alberta School Requisition which is passed on to the Province;
b) The Newell Foundation Requisition which is passed on to them for seniors lodging; and,
c) Municipal portion of taxes which is used by the City to provide municipal services.
2. Repaving tax, which is a special tax levied for the repaving of the streets in the City.
3. If you are hooked up to surface irrigation, this charge will also be included on your tax notice.

3. What services are paid for with municipal taxes?

Municipal taxes go toward many services including but not limited to: 1.Protective services such as Policing, Fire Services and Bylaw enforcement; 2.Road maintenance including snow clearing and street sweeping; 3.Park maintenance; 4.Recreation programs and facility maintenance (also subsidized by user fees); and, 5.Community programs and facilities such as the Library, Museum, FCSS and the Handibus

4. What is a “mill rate”?

A mill rate is the % used to allocate property taxes to each taxable property based on its assessment. It is determined by the amount of revenue required for the entire City (based on budgeted expenses) divided by the total taxable assessment. Property Assessment page

5. When are 2023 taxes due?

In the City of Brooks, they are due on June 30th 2023.

6. What is the penalty for late payments?

For 2023 Taxes late payment penalties are as follows – 2% on July 1, 2023 and 2% on November 1, 2023.

7. Are the penalties discretionary?

No, the penalties are mandated through legislation (penalty bylaw). Although if the City has made an administrative error, any associated penalties will be waived.

8. Is there a payment plan available?

Yes, we have a payment plan, known as TIPP, which enables you to pre-pay your taxes through equal monthly installments. If you are not signed up currently, you can join and begin paying your upcoming years taxes through this program. We also have a tax arrears payment plan, known as TAPP, which enables you to pay off any tax arrears that you have in equal monthly installments.

Payment Plans page

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1. What is OptionPay

OptionPay is a payment card system the City of Brooks uses for its online property tax credit card transactions. You can find out more information about OptionPay by visiting their website here.  

2. Is there an added fee for using OptionPay to pay my City of Brooks property tax bill with my credit card?

 Yes. All transactions carried out through OptionPay follow a tiered fee schedule, starting at a minimum fee of $2.00.  To see the full fee schedule for using this payment option, please visit their fee schedule here.

3. Why is there an added fee to pay with credit card?

The fees are administered through the OptionPay program for the use of their service and not through the City of Brooks.

4. Is my credit card/information secure with this program

OptionPay provides information on their security measures here. Please note that the City of Brooks takes no responsibility for, and accepts no liability, in the event of security breaches, technical difficulties, or other issues that may arise from your use of OptionPay. All users accept responsibility for their use of this service and do so at their own risk.

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1. What are the hours of the landfill site?

Monday - Saturday
9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

For more information, please call 403-362-5188.

2. What do I do in case of a sewer backup?

- The City is not responsible for what is put in the sewer lines and is not responsible for sewer backups. The City encourages homeowners to contact the City's Public Works Department at 403-362-3146 or after hours at 403-362-5526 when the sewer backup occurs before calling a plumber as the City may be able to remedy the problem. However, the City will direct homeowners to contact a plumber, if required. The second step is to contact your insurance company. 

- The City of Brooks advises residents to assist with prevention of sewer backups to consider installing a sewer backup flow preventer. If you require further information, please contact Public Works at 403-362-3146.

3. What is the City's procedure for snow removal?

Snow removal in the city of Brooks is done by a combination of City Staff and contracted services. For more information please review the Snow Removal FAQ (PDF).

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1. Are there any government grants available?

While there is a possibility, most "grants" (in other words, financial assistance that is not repaid) often target specific clients with criteria you must meet to qualify. As a rule, there are no "grant programs" to assist with general small business start-up. Click here to connect to the Government of Canada's grant website:

Canada Grants

2. Why do I need a business plan?

This often depends on your reason for writing one and who the intended reader of your plan will be. Most often it is written to obtain financing, showing the lender sufficient proof that the business will be profitable.

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1. What is included on my bi-monthly utility bill?

Your bi-monthly utility bill includes charges for your previous two months of garbage, recycling sewer and water consumption. Bills are mailed or e-mailed by the 15th of the month following a billing period. Billing history and bi-monthly water consumption information is available through the City’s Online Account Information portal

2. What are the billing periods?

Bi-monthly billing periods for customer accounts starting with “001” are:
- December/January
- February/March
- April/May
- June/July
- August/September
- October/ November
Bi-monthly billing periods for customer accounts starting with “002 and 003” are:
- January/February
- March/April
- May/June
- July/August
- September/October
- November/December

3. How much is a typical utility bill for a family of four?

Based on an average water consumption of 35 m³ every 2 months your bi-monthly invoice would be $165.70. Please note this amount is based on an average consumption. To learn more please refer to

Utility Rates

4. How can I get a summary of my utility billing and consumption history?

You can access your billing history through Online Account Information.

5. Am I still charged if I don’t use any utility services?

Yes, base rates will apply. Please refer to Utility Rates

6. What is the recycling fee?

The recycling fee is a basic charge for all residential and commercial accounts supporting the recycling program. Recycling Program

7. Why is my business charged for Commercial garbage base rate when we do not have any garbage pickup with the City of Brooks?

Commercial garbage base rate applies to all commercial account to support the regional landfill.

8. What does it mean if my unpaid utility charges were “transferred to taxes”?

Unpaid utility charges which are due and payable may be transferred to taxes if payment arrangements have not been received or the account has not been cleared up in full, at any point after 30 days of the billing date.
Once utilities are transferred to a tax account then payments must be made to the 10-digit folio number found on the Property Tax Notice rather than the 13-digit utility account. If you are paying online your will need to select the payee that includes the words “Brooks Tax” and not the word “Utilities” since you are now making a payment to your arrears tax account.

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1. What is the pre-authorized payment plan?

The city also has a pre-authorized payment plan in place for the utilities. This plan is for home and business owners, or tenants who pay City of Brooks utilities. The payments are withdrawn from your bank account within 5 days of the due date noted on your current utility bulling. You do not have to renew each year; the withdrawal continues until cancelled by the City of Brooks or yourself. Every bank participates in this plan. Please attach a check with VOID written on it with your Authorization form and bring to City Hall. Please view the Pre-Authorized Utility Bill Payment Form (PDF)

2. What do I do if my bank account changes?

In order to change banking information, please prove a new “VOID” cheque. At least one week’s written notification is required.

3. How do I cancel from the Plan?

In order to cancel send a letter stating that you wish to cancel from the Pre-Authorized Payment Plan. At least one week’s written notification is required.

4. Is there a charge for this service?

No, but your normal bank service charges may apply.

5. Can I be removed from the Plan by the City of Brooks?

Yes, if there is a default in a utility payment, the City may remove the account holder from the Plan, plus refuse reinstatement on the plan for the same property. Penalty charges will be added.

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1. Where will my rollout be picked up?

Residences will either have a front street or back alley pick up. Back lane pickup is dependent on the width of the back lane and obstacles such as power lines and trees. Front pickup is dependent on front attached garages and regular snow removal routes.

2. How will I know if my rollout will need to be placed in the front or back?

The Public Works Department will place your rollout in the front or the back of your residence. Each rollout will have a package of instructions of how and where to place the rollout for collection.

3. When will my pick-up day be?

Pick up dates will be determined based on neighbourhood and existing rollout collection days. When rollouts are delivered to residences, they will contain information regarding your pick-up location and pick-up day.

4. How will compost be dealt with?

The compost bins currently located in the alleys will remain. If these bins are being misused (by people placing garbage and non-compostable items inside), they will be removed. The Municipal Compost Site, located at the Newell Recycling Depot, will be open Wednesday through Sunday, from April 1st until October 31st and residents can drop off leaves, grass clippings and small branches.

5. How will recycling be dealt with?

There will be no changes to the recycling program in Brooks. The Newell Recycling Depot will remain open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for residents to drop off their recyclable items.

6. Are the rates going to change?

Rates will change as operational costs (fuel, labor, etc.) and capital costs increase.

7. How do I know which is my bin?

When garbage and compost bins are delivered, please write your address on the bin(s) with a white marker.

8. At what time should my rollout be set out?

Rollouts must be placed out by 7 a.m. on your pickup day.

9. Will the City come back & pick up my rollout if I forgot to set it out?

No, the City will not come back to pick up your rollout, you will have to wait until your next collection day.

10. Does garbage need to be bagged?

Yes, all garbage needs to be bagged.

11. What if my rollout goes missing or is damaged?

You are responsible for your rollout. If your rollout goes missing or is damaged, call the Public Works Department and another will be assigned to you at a cost of $100. All rollouts have serial numbers and will be recorded for each residence.

12. Why are you changing to rollouts and getting rid of the dumpsters?

The City of Brooks has decided to change to rollouts for a number of reasons. They are:
- People are abusing the 3 yard containers (dumpsters) and throwing improper items in them and around them.
- In the residential areas where there are currently rollouts, the back lanes have cleaned up significantly.
- A smaller container may help decrease the amount of waste being sent to the landfill.
- The garbage trucks required to collect rollouts cost at least $80,000 less than the current trucks which lowers the City's capital costs.
- The amount of time required for collection should decrease. This information was received from a number of municipalities using rollouts.
- The 3 yard containers (dumpsters) rust away and do not last as long as a rollout. The city spends $70,000 each year replacing the 3 yard containers.
- The lids on the 3 yard containers are easily broken and the City spends $17,000 each year replacing lids.
- Once the rollouts are purchased they have an expected 20-year life span which in turn decreases capital costs.