Council Meeting Highlights for July 15, 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:

4.1      RCMP Multi-Year Financial Plan

Council approved a motion to acknowledge support of the Ponoka RCMP Multi-Year Financial Plan for April 1, 2027 to March 31, 2032 with an agreement in principle only and consideration as part of the municipal annual budget development process.

Council also passed a motion to authorize the mayor’s signature on the Multi-Year Financial Plan for April 1, 2027 to March 31, 2032 in accordance with the municipal police service agreement (Article 17.1).

The RCMP Multi-Year Financial Plan outlines the projected costs for municipal policing, operational expenses, and resource allocations over the next five years.

7.1      Operating and Capital Statements – June 2026

Council accepted as information the June 2026 Operating and Capital Statements as presented.

7.3      Bylaw No. 06-2026 – Repealing of Inactive Bylaws

Council passed first, second and third reading to Bylaw No. 06-2026 – Repealing of Inactive Bylaws.

The purpose of this Bylaw 06-2026 is to improve the Town of Ponoka’s bylaw index by formally repealing bylaws that are inoperative, obsolete, expired, spent or otherwise ineffective, ensuring that the Town's legislative records remain accurate, current and easy to manage.

7.3      Draft 2026 – 2029 Strategic Plan

Council accepted the draft 2026-2029 Strategic Plan. Council will review and provide comments at a future Council meeting.

10       Correspondence Items

Council accepted the following correspondence as information:

• A letter was sent to Ponoka Mayor Kevin Ferguson from the Minister of Alberta Hospital and Surgical Health Services advising the Mayor that he has been reappointed as a member of the Regional Advisory Council 10 (RAC) for a three-year term effective June 23, 2026.
  

11       Information Items

Council accepted the following information items:

• Council was provided with a project update on the Town of Ponoka’s financial system replacement. This multi-year project was approved in the 2026 Interim Capital Budget and is a strategic priority as the Town’s current financial system will no longer be supported by the provider after December 2029. The Town’s financial system supports all aspects of operations, including financial records, payroll processing, utility and property tax collection and many other functions.
  
  
• Council was provided with a downtown safety update. Administration has compiled and analyzed multi-year statistical data for areas within the downtown, including both criminal and non-criminal occurrences. In addition, a Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) Audit has been completed to assess how the design, layout and maintenance of public and private spaces can influence safety and criminal activity. A summary of the findings is scheduled to be presented to Council in August 2026.
  
  
• Council was provided with an update on the Municipal Government Act (MGA) enforcement actions that have been undertaken by the Town of Ponoka to address unsightly properties, nuisance conditions, building disrepair and development permit non-compliance within the municipality.
  
  

Next Regular Council Meeting: Wednesday, August 12 at 7 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).