SANDRA M STANWAY
Brooks Bulletin
In the Globe and Mail’s second edition of Canada’s Most Liveable Cities (those over 10,000) Brooks’ overall ranking in Canada improved by 43 positions to 126 and by 10 positions to 11th in Alberta.
The Globe looked at 50 variables within 10 categories that they identified as particularly crucial when contemplating a relocation and included economy, housing, demographics, health care, safety, education, community, amenities, transportation and climate.
While climate is a new category this year the writers found that, “People care more about communities amenities and less about education.”
Each category including amenities were ranked in relation to others and include essential facilities, recreational and entertainment options, parks and other leisure opportunities.
Regarding parks and other leisure, Brooks ranked 14, Medicine Hat ranked 79 and Clearwater County ranked 445 which was one of the highest in Canada.
Under education Brooks ranked 340.
The city improved in its rankings in all categories when people are looking to relocate including young professionals, families raising kids, midlife transitions, retirement, newcomers and entrepreneurs.
The top 20 Alberta municipalities starting with Calgary in the top spot, was followed by St. Albert, Edmonton, Lethbridge, Strathcona County, Okotoks, Canmore, Wood Buffalo, Olds, Beaumont, Brooks, Lacombe, Rocky View County, Strathmore, Spruce Grove, High River, Red Deer, Airdrie, Lloydminster and Medicine Hat.
