History
History of Brooks
Originally, the area of Brooks was used as a buffalo hunting ground for the Blackfoot and Crow natives. After Treaty 7 was signed in 1887, homesteaders moved into the area to begin dry land farming. The arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railroad 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. By a Canada Post sponsored contest, the new area was named after Noel Edgell Brooks, a Canadian Pacific Railway Divisional Engineer from Calgary.
On July 14th, 1910, the Village of Brooks was formally established and became a Town a year later.
To encourage immigration and growth into the region in the early part of the century, the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) began the construction of major irrigation works. These works included the two mile long Brooks Aqueduct, constructed 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 centre for highly effective livestock, grain and vegetable producing industries.
In more recent years Brooks has experienced growth due to the oil and gas industry. The late 70's and early 1980's saw Brooks' population grow from 5,000 to around 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 Town's population in 1996 for the first time exceeded 10,000, due in large part to expansion at Lakeside IBP meat packing plant, making Brooks the largest Town in Alberta.
On September 1, 2005 , with an estimated population of 13,000, Brooks officially became the City of Brooks "Alberta's Centennial City™". The trademark was established at this time to commemorate the event and to celebrate Alberta's Centennial year.
In 2010, the City of Brooks celebrated their Centennial with a variety of events and activities. With a population of 13,581, the City of Brooks enters the next century with hope and excitement. A blend of western hospitality and international flare has created a one-of-a-kind community that is friendly and welcoming.