Town of Ponoka approves 2026 interim budget

PONOKA -- The Town of Ponoka has adopted its 2026 interim operating and capital budgets.

Ponoka staff say the budget for 2026 has come in at $39,406,848, which includes an operating budget of $23,968,170 and a capital budget of $15,438,678. Ponoka Council held their deliberations over two days in late November, and officially approved the interim budget at their regular meeting on Dec. 9, 2025. 

"The 2026 Interim Budget once again focuses on investing in maintaining and upgrading key infrastructure in the community, which helps position the Town to grow and thrive into the future," said Ponoka Mayor Kevin Ferguson. "Council worked very hard to keep property taxes as low as possible while continuing to fund key services that citizens rely on."

The interim budget represents an estimated tax increase of about two per cent; however, the municipality says it doesn't yet factor in property assessment values which only become available in the spring. Until then, they say it's too early to accurately calculate the exact municipal property tax increase for 2026.

"Council and Administration worked together to find efficiencies and arrive at a lean, fiscally responsible budget that delivers on key priorities in the Town's Strategic Plan," said CAO Sandra Lund. "This 2026 Interim Budget carefully balances the need to fund extensive upgrades that are required for essential Town infrastructure while minimizing the cost to taxpayers and utility rate payers."

Some of the operating, capital, and infrastructure projects planned for 2026 include Ponoka's annual Pavement and Concrete Improvement Program as well as the continuation of its Highway 53 Improvements. Other key projects include Wastewater Treatment Facility and Waterworks System improvements. 

Mayor Ferguson says that public input and priorities identified in the budget survey results this year were carefully considered and addressed in the 2026 Interim Budget through ongoing upgrades and improvements to Town infrastructure. This includes roads and sidewalks throughout Ponoka, planned improvements to trails and outdoor recreation facilities, and continued ongoing investment in Protective Services.

"Citizen input is a critical part of the budget planning process," said Mayor Ferguson. "I think this Interim Budget does a very good job of balancing the needs of our community while positioning Ponoka for continued growth and success."

In the spring, Ponoka Council will have the opportunity to review the interim budget and make final adjustments prior to adopting the final 2026 budget.