Petition calls for the reopening of 54 Street at Highway 53

PONOKA -- Ponoka residents have filed a petition with the municipality asking for the reopening of 54 Street at Highway 53.

The area typically sees a temporary closure during the Ponoka Stampede, but has remained closed since that time. The petition, filed by the co-owners of The Liquor Store, states various concerns about the closure, including restricted access to community facilities. They state that Ponoka residents were not informed that this year’s closure would be permanent, and that most were surprised to learn of this significant change without proper consultation.

Some of their concerns also relate to the disruption to local school bus routes as well as delays to emergency services. They say that with the volunteer fire department already operating under tight constraints, the closure could delay emergency response time driving by a school zone while also putting lives at risk. The petition also suggests that in lieu of closing 54 Street permanently, Council should invest in the necessary repairs to ensure the road remains safe and functional for all users.

The petition was tabled by Ponoka Council at their last regular meeting and contained a total of 1,550 signatures at that time.