Alberta Sheriffs shut down problem property in Ponoka

PONOKA -- A property in Ponoka that had been the subject of numerous community concerns has been shut down by Alberta Sheriffs.

According to the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) unit, an investigation into the property at 4011 45A Street had been ongoing since October 2024 when concerns were raised about suspected drug use and criminal activity affecting the surrounding neighbourhood. During the course of the investigation, the Sheriffs say that police and other first responders were repeatedly called to the property for incidents including reports of home invasions, violent assaults, stabbings, overdoses, fires and thefts.

A warning letter was issued to the property owner in January 2025, which temporarily reduced disruptive activity, according to the Sheriffs. However, complaints resumed in May, prompting SCAN to reopen the investigation and pursue court action. In February, the Court of King's Bench granted SCAN's application for a community safety order, prohibiting all individuals, including the owner, from occupying the home for 90 days. Beginning March 18 at noon, the property was boarded up and fenced off, and all locks were changed. 

"I'm grateful to the Ponoka residents who refused to stay silent and the SCAN team for their tireless work in closing this property," said Mike Ellis, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services. "This action restores the peace of mind families deserve and serves as a firm warning: if you threaten the safety of our communities with illegal activity, we will shut you down."

The Alberta Sheriffs add that they will continue to monitor the property for compliance while the investigation remains ongoing. Meantime, the conditions outlined under the community safety order will remain in effect until June 16, 2028.

"Repeated investigations and criminal charges may hold some accountable, however, problem properties can persist," said Ponoka RCMP Sargent Tyler Epp. "We are happy to support a program that sends these problem residents packing and brings relief to a community."

The SCAN unit operates under the Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act, which uses legal sanctions and court orders to hold owners accountable for illegal activity happening on their property.