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Ponoka Town Council Approves 2026 Interim Budget

Following two days of budget deliberations in late November, Ponoka Town Council has approved the 2026 Interim Town Budget at its regular meeting this week. The total amount of the Interim Budget is $39,406,848 which includes an Operating Budget of $23,968,170 and a Capital Budget of $15,438,678. 

The Interim Budget represents an estimated tax increase of about two per cent; however, it doesn’t yet factor in property assessment values which only become available in the spring. Until then, it’s too early to accurately calculate the municipal property tax increase for 2026. At that time, Town Council will have the opportunity to review the Interim Budget and make final adjustments prior to adopting the final 2026 Budget.

“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 Town of Ponoka Chief Administrative Officer 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,” she added.

A Continued Focus on Investing in Infrastructure 

“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, adding “Council worked very hard to keep property taxes as low as possible while continuing to fund key services that citizens rely on.” He noted the estimated increase in municipal property taxes reflects inflationary cost increases.

Some of the operating, capital and infrastructure projects planned for 2026 include:

  • Ponoka’s Annual Pavement and Concrete Improvement Program – This provides annual maintenance and improvement of Town roadways and sidewalks throughout the community;
  • Highway 53 Improvements – The Town will work in partnership with Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors to complete Highway 53 improvements in Ponoka next spring. This will include upgrades to the 46 Street intersection (paving, concrete, signal lights, lighting, underground utility and electrical work, and realignment of that intersection) and connecting the trail along Highway 53 to the river valley trail system at 46 Street;
  • Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements – The Town will begin upgrades to its wastewater treatment facility to be completed in phases to meet provincial regulatory requirements and position the Town for future growth;
  • Waterworks System Improvements – This includes storm sewer system maintenance, sanitary sewer maintenance and ongoing replacement of the Town’s sanitary trunk main to ensure optimum operational efficiency and reliability of the system;
  • Wi-Fi Installation at Outdoor Facilities – This will provide facility users with free Wi-Fi access at Lions Centennial Park, the ball diamonds behind the Ponoka Arena Complex and the soccer fields at Lucas Heights, which is needed to continue attracting provincial tournaments to these facilities.

2026 Interim Budget Aligns with Public Consultation Results

The 2026 Interim Budget aligns with the results of the Town’s annual public consultation process, which included Coffee with Council events, an online Budget Open House and a Citizen Input Survey that invited Ponoka citizens to give their input on top priorities they wanted Town Council to consider as it deliberated the 2026 Budget. 

The top three priorities identified by citizens included:

  • Infrastructure
  • Recreation
  • Community Safety

“Citizen input is a critical part of the budget planning process,” said Mayor Ferguson. He noted 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, including roads and sidewalks throughout Ponoka; planned improvements to trails and outdoor recreation facilities; and continued ongoing investment in Protective Services to support public safety in partnership with the Town’s Community Peace Officer Program and the Ponoka RCMP.

“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,” said Mayor Ferguson.