Ponoka CPO releases latest enforcement stats

PONOKA -- Ponoka's Community Peace Officers have provided their latest report.

The report covers the month of July 2025, and was submitted by Manager of Protective Services Stuart Larson. It says that during the month, the CPO program continued regular foot patrols of the river valley, parks, downtown core, and other public spaces throughout the Town of Ponoka. The CPOs also worked regularly with the RCMP to share information.

Most notably, the peace officers say that one tent encampment, located on private property adjacent to the river valley trails, was cleared by staff. Ponoka County Fire also attended the area at the request of the Manager of Protective Services, to extinguish a cooking/warming fire. The property owner was informed of the actions and agreed to remove items abandoned by the occupants.

Meantime, a total of four speed checks were conducted last month on Highway 53. This was in response to concerns from workers about speeding in the construction zone, with particular attention to commercial vehicles. The CPO says that each speed check averaged approximately one hour at various times of the day, and that five warnings and two violation tickets were issued.

Overall, July's statistics show that calls for bylaw enforcement have been consistent with seasonal trends. The primary calls have been for unsightly properties, in relation to unkept yards and refuse. Uncut grass was the primary complaint submitted last month, followed by trees and shrubs encroaching on property lines and electrical services.