Council Meeting Highlights for May 13, 2025
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 full Council meeting agendas, minutes and meeting schedules, please click here.
6.1 Bylaw No. 07 – 2025 Tax Rate Bylaw
Council passed second and third reading of the 2025 Tax Rate Bylaw No. 07-2025, which sets out the rates of taxation for property in the Town of Ponoka for the 2025 year.
The 2025 Combined Assessment & Tax Notices will be mailed out or emailed to local property owners this week (by May 16).
An increase in property assessment values across Alberta will impact property taxes this year. Residential assessment increased by $55.9 million, and non-residential assessment increased by $8.8 million for a total overall increase of $64.7 million over the 2024 assessment.
The municipal property tax increase of 1.25 per cent equates to an annual increase of approximately $10.95 per $100,000 of assessment for residential and $14.29 per $100,000 for non-residential properties. The 1.25 per cent increase in the municipal portion of property taxes rate helps continue to fund essential services that citizens rely on.
Due to the Alberta Government’s unexpected 2025 education tax increase of 10.8 per cent for Town of Ponoka residents, Council lowered the municipal property tax increase to 1.25 per cent – down from the proposed 3.25 per cent increase that was initially approved by Council last fall in the Interim Budget.
The Town is required to collect the provincial education tax as part of the property tax bill it sends annually to residents. The education tax that is collected is then sent directly to the provincial government. Annual property taxes also include a senior housing tax rate which the municipality is required to collect on behalf of Rimoka Housing Foundation.
7.1 Highway 53 Corridor Improvements
The Town of Ponoka has partnered with Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors to complete improvements and rehabilitation of Highway 53 (between Highway 2A and 38 Street). Improvements along the roadway will include:
- Pavement resurfacing and concrete repairs;
- Intersection improvements at 45 Avenue and 46 Street, including new signal lights at that intersection;
- Closure of 54 Street access at Highway 53;
- Stormwater infrastructure upgrades;
- New upgraded streetlighting;
- Expansion of the Town’s multi-use trail network along Highway 53 with a new paved trail extending from Highway 2A to 38 Street, and new crosswalks;
- Fencing and landscaping; and
- Wayfinding signage and the ceremonial renaming of the roadway to Rodeo Drive.
Council awarded the Highway 53 Corridor Improvements contract to Central City Asphalt Ltd. in the amount of $5,884,953.50 following a competitive tender process. Construction is expected to begin this summer in July (after the Ponoka Stampede ends) and is expected to be completed in 2026.
The project is being funded by Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors, the Town of Ponoka off-site levy reserve and a debenture through the Town’s Borrowing Bylaw.
7.2 National Public Works Week Proclamation
Council proclaimed the week of May 18 to 24 as National Public Works Week in the Town of Ponoka. This year's theme is ‘People, Purpose, Presence.’ To learn more about National Public Works Week, please click here.
7.3 Ponoka Farmer’s Market Location
Council approved a motion to allow the Ponoka Farmer’s Market to operate in the easterly portion of the parking area at Lions Centennial Park (4902 Highway 2A) on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. from June 5 to September 24, 2025.
Council also approved a motion allowing the Ponoka Farmer’s Market to operate in the designated parking area for up to three days (Tuesday to Thursday) during Ponoka Stampede week in 2025 for up to six hours each day.
7.4 Operating and Capital Statement – March 2025
Council accepted the March 2025 Operating and Capital Statements as information. The statements represent the Town of Ponoka’s first quarter operating activities and capital expenditures.
7.5 Community Peace Officer Program – April 2025 Report
Council accepted the April 2025 Report for the Community Peace Officer Program as information. The Report provides an overview of the bylaw enforcement activities conducted over the past month, including statistics on compliance, violations and enforcement actions.