The Town of Ponoka has released its 2024 Annual Report highlighting many accomplishments and milestones over the past year.
Guided by Council’s 2023 to 2027 strategic plan, the report showcases work that has been completed in the following priority areas: investing in infrastructure and the environment, fostering a vibrant community, supporting growth and economic health and effective leadership and advocacy.
Some of the accomplishments highlighted in the Town’s 2024 Annual Report include:
- Planned improvements to the Highway 53 corridor in Ponoka: The Town worked closely in partnership with Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors to identify and plan for future improvements to Highway 53 which are expected to begin this summer.
- Grand opening of the new off-leash dog park: in Ponoka’s Battle River Valley.
- New expanded multi-use skate park: in Ponoka’s downtown corridor. Construction began in 2024 and is expected to be completed in the coming weeks.
- Improvements at the Ponoka Aquaplex: Extensive annual upgrades over the past few years have transformed the building into what looks and feels like a new facility.
- Upgrades to indoor courts and sports fields.
- New community events: including the new annual Spring Festival at Lions Centennial Park.
- New downtown façade improvement program: which provides grant money to assist business owners in the downtown area to make upgrades and improvements to their building exteriors.
- Ongoing roadway and sidewalk improvements: which include extensive micro-surfacing on town roadways throughout the community. Micro-surfacing is a proven and cost-effective treatment that extends the life of a roadway by preventing oxidation and moisture penetration in the underlying pavement, slowing deterioration.
“Those are just a few examples of the Town’s many achievements in 2024,” said Ponoka Mayor Kevin Ferguson.
He noted that community safety remains a top priority for Town Council.
“That is why Council decided during budget deliberations in 2024 to increase funding for the Town’s Community Peace Officer (CPO) Program in the 2025 interim budget. That funding is being used to hire a second officer in 2025 with a focus on crime prevention and increased patrols of the river valley and throughout the community,” said Mayor Ferguson.
He added that building a Community Wellness Centre (sports multiplex) will also continue to be a priority for Town Council as the Town continues to advocate and work toward securing funding for the project.
To view the full Annual Report, visit the Town of Ponoka website.
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