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First Reading of Borrowing Bylaw for Enterprise Resource Planning System Approved by Council

Ponoka Town Council has approved the first reading of Borrowing Bylaw 02-2026 for an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System. This organizational software system will support the Town of Ponoka’s daily operations, including finance, utilities, property taxes, payroll and the launch of a new online payment portal.

The planning, design, acquisition and implementation of the new software system is a multi-year project that will be completed by 2029. The new ERP system will replace the Town of Ponoka’s current financial software system which will no longer be supported by the developer after December 2029.

Once three readings of Bylaw 02-2026 are approved by Council, the bylaw will authorize debenture financing of up to $1.9 million to fund the design and implementation of the new ERP system over the next three years. 

Under the Municipal Government Act (MGA), municipalities can borrow up to 1.5 times their annual revenue. The debenture financing under Bylaw 02-2026 is well within the Town’s debt limit. 

While the debenture is set at $1.9 million, the Town of Ponoka will only draw funds as needed during the three-year project timeline. The new ERP system aligns with Council’s strategic priority of providing organizational excellence.

Borrowing Bylaw Process

Council is scheduled to consider second and third reading of the Borrowing Bylaw 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 any questions regarding the petition process can contact Legislative Services at 403-783-4431.