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Council Meeting Highlights for February 10, 2026

These Council highlights are intended to provide a brief overview of the most significant decisions made during the Council meeting. To access more information about the items listed below and to view the full Council meeting agendas, minutes and meeting schedules, please click here.

Regular Meeting of Council: 

6.1      Navigation Pop-Up Centre

Council raised the motion from the table and passed a motion to support the Ponoka Community Open House Navigation Event on March 27 as presented. The event will run during ‘Lunch is On’ at the Ponoka United Church hosted by Family and Community Support Services and the Ponoka Rising Sun Clubhouse.

7.1      Communities in Bloom

Council approved the Notice of Motion to participate in the Communities in Bloom (CIB) program for 2026 by collaborating with the Ponoka and District Garden Club. The CIB program encourages community pride, environmental responsibility, beautification and sustainability through education and volunteer involvement.

7.2      Fire Services Bylaw Review

Council approved the Notice of Motion to review the Fire Services Bylaw at an upcoming Priorities and Initiatives Committee Meeting.

7.3      Terms of Reference Review for Council 

Council approved a Notice of Motion to review the terms of reference for Council Appointed Committees in 2026. 

7.4      Borrowing Bylaw 01-2026 – Wastewater Plant Headworks

Ponoka Town Council has approved the first reading of Borrowing Bylaw 01-2026 to partially fund the construction of the first phase of the Wastewater Treatment Facility capital project.

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 to be achieved through phased upgrades beginning in 2026.

To comply with the new approval, 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.

Bylaw 01-2026 has a 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 plans to only draw funds as needed.

7.5      Borrowing Bylaw 02-2026 – Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System

Council passed the first reading of Borrowing Bylaw 02-2026 for the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software System. This new finance software system supports daily operations, including financials, utilities, property tax collection and payroll. 

The Town of Ponoka is looking at a new software as the current financial software system will no longer be supported by the developer after December 2029.

The bylaw is to authorize a debenture to fund the acquisition and implementation an ERP System over three years. The total budget for the project is $1.9 million which is to be funded entirely through debenture financing and is well within the Town’s debt capacity.

As of December 2024, the Town's available debt limit was $10,816,078. Even though budget is set at $1.9 million, the Town of Ponoka plans to only draw funds as needed.

7.6      Designation of Town of Ponoka Municipal Office

Council passed a motion to designate the Ponoka Civic Centre located at 200, 5604 50 Street as the official Municipal Office of the Town of Ponoka. This is pursuant to Section 204 of the Municipal Government Act, where it states that Council must name a place as a municipal office.

7.7      Ponoka Stampede Sponsorship Request

Council passed a motion to approve the Trophy Saddle Sponsorship in the amount of $5,500 in recognition of the 90th Anniversary of the Ponoka Stampede. This sponsorship will be funded from Council’s advertising, promotions and sponsorship budget.

13.1    Closed Session

Council passed a motion to approve, in principle, the proposed expansion of Rimoka Housing Foundation’s Golden Leisure Lodge and direct administration to bring back a funding strategy as part of the 2026 final budget.

Next Regular Council Meeting: Tuesday, February 24 at 6 p.m.

  • The public is welcome to attend all Council meetings. Meetings are held in Town Council Chambers on the third floor of the Ponoka Civic Centre (5604 50 Street).