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Ponoka Town Council Approved First Reading of Borrowing Bylaw for Wastewater Treatment Facility

Ponoka Town Council has approved the first reading of Borrowing Bylaw 01-2026 to partially fund the construction of the first phase of required upgrades to the Town’s Wastewater Treatment Facility.

In September 2025, the Province of Alberta issued the Town of Ponoka a new 10-year operating approval for the Wastewater Treatment Facility under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act. The approval establishes new, more stringent provincial effluent treatment requirements that have been implemented under the Act, which are to be achieved through phased upgrades at the facility beginning in 2026.

To comply with the new provincial effluent treatment requirements, the Town of Ponoka must undertake three major phases of Wastewater Treatment Facility upgrades:

  • Phase 1 (2026–2027) – focused on early works, screening, conveyance and flow diversions.
  • Phase 2 (2031) – mechanical treatment upgrades.
  • Phase 3 (2035) – tertiary treatment improvements.

Phase 1 of construction includes:

  • A new operations building for screening and grit removal;
  • A new lift station;
  • New tie-ins and replacing existing pipes as required; and
  • Overflow management using repurposed lagoon cells.

Once three readings of Bylaw 01-2026 are approved by Council, the bylaw will authorize debenture financing in the amount of $3,877,873, representing the portion of the project to be funded through long-term borrowing. While the debenture is set at $3,877,873, the Town of Ponoka will only draw funds as needed.

Project Aligns with Strategic Priorities

The planned improvements to the Wastewater Plant Headworks align with Council’s strategic priority of maintaining safe and reliable Town infrastructure. Council approved the plan, design, and funding model for the

Wastewater Treatment Facility upgrades at its regular meeting on December 9, 2025, as a part of the Town’s 2026 Interim Budget. Phase 1 of the project will be funded through grant funding, municipal reserves and debenture financing.

Under the Municipal Government Act (MGA), municipalities can borrow up to 1.5 times their annual revenue. The debenture financing under Bylaw 01-2026 is well within the Town’s debt limit.

Borrowing Bylaw Process

Council is scheduled to consider second and third reading of the Borrowing Bylaw at its regular meeting on Tuesday, March 24. In accordance with the Municipal Government Act, the Town will advertise the proposed Borrowing Bylaw for two weeks in the local newspaper. A copy of the proposed Borrowing Bylaw can be viewed by clicking here and at the Town Office (#200, 5604 50 Street, Ponoka) during regular office hours.

Town of Ponoka electors may submit a petition calling for a vote of electors to determine whether the proposed bylaw should be passed. The petition must meet the formal requirements of Sections 221-266 and 231 of the MGA. The petition can be filed with the Chief Administrative Officer within 15 days after the last date the proposed bylaw is advertised, which will be February 25, 2025. Any petition will be public information. Residents who have questions regarding the petition process can contact Legislative Services at 403-783-4431.