City of Brooks

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Page 4 City of Brooks Community Profile Celebrating Brooks’ History It has been a little over a year in the works but the centennial celebration book, ―A Century in Photos – Brooks 1910-2010‖ provides a fascinating historical and photographic insight into the transformation of the community during the last century. From its humble beginnings with the railway to later advances in irrigation, agricultural research and the oil & gas industry Brooks has transitioned and developed into the bustling city we know today. Three long time residents, Jeannie Beny, Enge Ellefson and Jackie- Murray teamed up along with graphic designer Brigitte Gerrard to research, author and assemble the book that depicts the progress of Brooks during the last century. Over 140 photos were selected to go into the nine chapters of the 100 page publication. Long time residents will see some old familiar views along with a number of modern comparative perspectives. As well, early pioneers, their residences and businesses are also profiled along with the major events that have shaped the development and progress of the community. The hardcover publication was released in winter, 2009. Copies can be obtained from City Hall, Public Library, Museum, the Brooks Bulletin and other participating merchants in the community. Authors Jeanne Beny, Inge Ellefson and Jackie Murray Rodeo Aspirations photo courtesy of Brooks Bulletin In 1907 there were just nine people living in Brooks, but by 1911 there were over 1800 people in the area as the CPR began its great irrigation project. Centennial Celebrations The City of Brooks, originally named after Noel Edgell Brooks, was incorporated as a village in 1910 after Canada Post opened a post office in the growing settlement. A year later, the village became a town and shortly afterwards, the Canadian Pacific Railway began construction on the two mile long Brooks Aqueduct. Almost a century later, the size and appearance of our community may have changed but the innovation, spirit and pride remain! In 2010, Brooks is celebrating its 100 th birthday and to commemorate this occasion, Alberta’s Centennial City is hosting a variety of events throughout the year including: the Olympic Torch Relay (January 16), the Southern Alberta Summer Games (July 7-10) and a huge Centennial Celebration Weekend on the August long weekend (July 31-August 2). In addition, Centennial Projects will be ongoing throughout the year including Communities in Bloom murals and a historical picture book chronicling life in Brooks for the past 100 years. Brooks is a community that people are proud to call home and has been so for 100 years. For more information regarding Brooks’ Centennial Celebration, visit www.brooks.ca. Everyone is encouraged to invite their family and friends to join us in 2010 for the party of the century!
City of Brooks Page 5 Community Profile The Brooks Community Advantage Among the reasons why you should look to Brooks as a home or business location: Comprehensive urban infrastructure; High calibre of services provided by the municipality; High-standard of life with quality educational, medical and recreational services available; Fully serviced and available industrial land; Adjacent to major transportation corridors; Brooks: A History Affordable housing – everything from entry level to executive; Combined tax and utility rates very competitive with other Alberta communities; Affordable and versatile labour force with a strong work ethic; Centrally located in southeast Alberta; World class tourism, recreation and leisure; Province of Alberta has no sales tax or payroll tax; Provincial Corporate Income Tax is among the lowest in Canada; Seven-time Communities in Bloom provincial winner; 2006 National Tidiness Award Continuous major developments and community improvements Archeological evidence indicates that for at least the last eight thousand years this area was used by the aboriginal people as they hunted the migratory herds of bison that roamed the North American plains. More recently in 1887, after the signing of Treaty Seven with the First Nations People, European homesteaders arrived and began farming. The arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway saw more settlers move to the area of Brooks. By 1904, Canada Post was interested in putting a post office in the settlement; however the area was still unnamed. After a Canada Post sponsored contest, the new area was named after Noel Edgell Brooks, a Canadian Pacific Railway Divisional Engineer from Calgary. In 1910, the Village of Brooks was formally established and became a town only a year later. To encourage immigration and growth into the region in the early part of the century, the Canadian Pacific Railway began the construction of major irrigation works. These works included the two mile long Brooks Aqueduct, con- structed over 2½ years and completed in 1915. In 1935, the C.P.R. transferred control of these works to local farmers and the Eastern Irrigation District was formed. Irrigation has allowed Brooks to become a service center for highly effective livestock, grain and vegetable producing industries. In more recent years Brooks has e x p e r i e n c e d growth due to the oil and gas industry. The late 1970’s and early 1980’s saw Brooks’ population grow from 5,000 residents to almost 8,000. The oil and gas industry and those activities that provide services to oil and gas exploration are still a large driving force in the continued growth of Brooks. The population of Brooks was recorded at 13,581 during the 2007 municipal census and, as of September 1, 2005 became a city-Alberta’s Centennial City Canadian Pacific Railway, oil well, Brooks, 1912, from ―A Century in Photos –Brooks 1910-2010” Photo Credit Glenbow Archives NA-1072-6.
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