Major upgrades coming to Ponoka's Wastewater Treatment Facility

PONOKA -- Major upgrades will be coming to Ponoka's Wastewater Treatment Facility.

This comes as Ponoka Council gave first reading to a new borrowing bylaw at their regular meeting held on Feb. 10. In a statement, the township says the bylaw will partially fund the construction of the first phase project through long-term borrowing.

In September 2025, the Alberta government issued the Town of Ponoka a new 10-year operating approval for the Wastewater Treatment Facility under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act. The approval establishes new, stricter provincial effluent treatment requirements to be achieved through phased upgrades beginning this year.

Phase one of the project will focus on early works, screening, conveyance, and flow diversions. This will include the construction of a new operations building for screening and grit removal, and a new lift station. Also, existing pipes will be replaced as required and overflow management will be conducted using repurposed lagoon cells.

The second phase of the major project isn't expected to begin until 2031 and will see mechanical treatment upgrades, while the final phase of work is likely to commence in 2035. This will see tertiary treatment improvements at the facility.

"Bylaw 01-2026 has a debenture financing in the amount of $3,877,873, representing the portion of the project to be funded through long-term borrowing," said the Town of Ponoka in a statement issued this week. "While the debenture is set at $3,877,873, the Town of Ponoka plans to only draw funds as needed."

We'll have more on this story as it becomes available.