Ponoka mayor reflects on major projects through annual report

PONOKA -- The Town of Ponoka has released a new report outlining the various projects undertaken by the municipality in 2025.

According to the township, these initiatives aligned with the overall vision set out in their current strategic plan. These priorities include investing in infrastructure, supporting growth and economic health, fostering a vibrant community, among others.

Headlining the list of major projects is the Highway 53 Improvement Project, which officially broke ground in July of last year. Ponoka Mayor Kevin Ferguson says this stretch of road serves as an economic driver for the municipality.

"For us, we see this road as the gateway into Ponoka," said Ferguson. "Not only are we dealing with the ag event centre and the rodeo, through wayfinding signage and so forth, we're making new visitors aware of our downtown."

Ferguson notes that while this stretch of Highway 53 -- now known as Rodeo Drive -- officially began construction last summer, planning and design work has been underway for several years. He underscores the importance of the work in also maintaining the proper upkeep of the roads surface, while also expanding Ponoka's walking trails.

"Along the northside of the highway, we now have a walking trail that goes all the way to Highway 2A," said Ferguson. "So, for the first time ever, we can say in this town that you can get on a bike or walk from Riverside, and you can get safely from one the west side of our community to the east side." 

Also listed in Ponoka's annual report for 2025 is the planned upgrades to the Wastewater Treatment Facility. This work is being partially funded through debenture and 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.

"We've developed a number of phases that are going to take place over time, for probably the better part of a decade," said Ferguson. "What we're looking to do is upgrade our wastewater facility program so it's compliant with new regulations."

He adds that upgrades will also allow the township to boost its wastewater treatment capacity for Ponoka's growing population, which has grown to more than 8,200 people as of the latest government data. Other major projects and initiatives featured in the annual report include the upgrades at the Ponoka Aquaplex, the new 18-hole Disc Golf Course, and the Downtown Façade Improvement Program.

Mayor Ferguson also outlined the positive social impact facilitated by the expanded multi-use skate park in downtown Ponoka. 

"The lifeblood of a community is families and children, and to be able to provide other forms of recreation aside from swimming and hockey is always a good thing as well for kids in general," said Ferguson. "These accomplishments reflect a year that the Town of Ponoka can be truly proud of."

The report notes that community safety also continues to be front of mind for the township, as they say this was advanced through the hiring of an additional community peace officer. Ponoka staff say that Mayor and Council also continue to lobby the provincial and federal governments for increased funding that's more equitable with larger urban centres.