2026 State of the Region
State of the Region 2026: What we heard about growth,
investment, and opportunities ahead
The annual State of the Region brought together leaders from across the Brooks Newell Region to share what’s ahead for 2026. From infrastructure and housing to workforce attraction, health-care recruitment, and big-picture economic opportunity tied to land and water, our region is clearly positioned for growth and prosperity.
The Brooks Newell Region, which represents the City of Brooks, the County of Newell, and the municipalities of Bassano, Duchess, and Rosemary, exists for one reason: to help communities move forward together. As the message of the morning put it—when our neighbours grow, we all grow.
The event began with a land acknowledgement and Reverend Esther Crews offered a blessing for the meal and the conversation ahead, speaking to wisdom, collaboration, and a shared commitment to the future of Brooks and Newell.
Collaboration that’s rooted in history and focused on what’s next
Speakers reflected on how the region has been shaped over more than a century, from rail and irrigation infrastructure to the modern networks of roads, pipelines, and power lines that connect people, industry, and opportunity. Regional collaboration of this level is not common everywhere, but it has been a strength for us, and it continues to be a foundation for economic development.
A key focus of the partnership’s work is attracting skilled workers. The Brooks Newell Region showcased part of its recent workforce attraction campaign, including one video designed for targeted advertising to audiences outside the region. Watch all the videos here > Move to Brooks – You Belong Here
City of Brooks: housing momentum, permitting improvements, and major upgrades
Mayor Norm Gerestein outlined key priorities for Brooks, highlighting strong housing activity and significant infrastructure planning. He spoke about major investments that support growth, including work related to wastewater capacity and a move toward a simpler, faster development process.
Starting January 26, the City plans to launch a “one-stop shop” permitting approach aimed at reducing red tape and improving turnaround time for builders and developers. Health-care recruitment was also highlighted as a priority, with references to local efforts to support doctor retention and strengthen health services.
Gerestein said the City’s newly elected council is focused on working collaboratively to move these initiatives forward, both within Brooks and across the region. “Together we bring a wealth of experience from business and previous council roles, and we are all united by one goal: to build a better Brooks. But to build a better Brooks, we have to have great regional cooperation.”
County of Newell: CDC South progress, infrastructure work, and future economic opportunity
County of Newell Reeve Arno Doerksen spoke about key developments over the past year and priorities ahead, including regional coordination and economic opportunities.
Doerksen spoke about progress at the Crop Diversification Centre South (CDC South), with ongoing work to position the site for long-term success. He noted that the Griffin building has been renovated and is now fully leased, and that the greenhouse is operating and open for business, with potential interest in additional commercial activity.
Doerksen also highlighted major infrastructure and community projects, including improvements at key intersections, completion of Phase Two of the Rural Water Project, and the continued development of regional pathway connections such as the Kinbrook Connection and Lake Newell Resort Pathways.
Regarding ongoing proactive asset management, the Reeve said, “The Calgary water main break a few weeks ago highlights the importance of prudent and vigilant asset management. Most of our assets don't have quite the capacity to spill the way that one did, but nonetheless, the importance of resurfacing gravel roads, crack filling on pavement, and things like the Lake Newell Resort lift station repairs and the street improvements help to extend the life of our assets, which is really important for all of us.”
Looking ahead, he pointed to two major opportunities the County believes are worth pursuing: data centres and irrigation expansion tied to water security and value-added agriculture investment.
Province: Premier emphasizes partnership and investment
Premier Danielle Smith delivered remarks emphasizing provincial economic performance and the importance of collaboration across municipal, provincial, and federal levels. She said, “The challenges and opportunities ahead don’t stop at jurisdictional boundaries, and neither can our ambition. By working together, we can ensure this region continues to grow and diversify, create jobs, attract investment, and deliver real results for the families and businesses who call it home.”
Smith cited 2025 as a strong year for Alberta and highlighted workforce growth, tax measures, and the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund, which she said has increased significantly since 2019. She also pointed to provincial investments tied to irrigation, the Crop Diversification Centre South, local health care upgrades, and infrastructure funding through the Local Government Fiscal Framework.
Smith also highlighted provincial investments in education, including a new junior high school and a future Catholic high school in Brooks, calling them “key to supporting the region’s rapid growth”. She mentioned funding connected to municipal infrastructure, and support for wastewater capacity intended to accommodate future growth.
She spoke about recent progress on agricultural trade, including a new agreement easing Chinese tariffs on canola products, and outlined Alberta’s push to expand global market access through new trade offices and partnerships in the Middle East and India.
The State of the Region is an annual opportunity to check in, share plans, and strengthen relationships across jurisdictions and communities. Thank you to the Brooks Newell Region organizers, the speakers and special guests, event staff, and everyone who attended.