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Construction of Ponoka’s Community Learning Centre and new Care Home well underway

Feb 5, 2018 | 6:21 AM

PONOKA- The project on the old hospital site in the town is beginning to take shape.

The developer has begun installing the walls of the new Community Learning Centre building.

Until now, most of the work on the building was being done off-site.

The exterior walls of the three-storey building – which are insulated concrete – were manufactured indoors at the Eagle Builders’ facility near Blackfalds.

Once the walls are installed, the installation of the roof and windows will begin.

The building is expected to be completed later this year and will house Town Administrative offices and Council Chambers on the upper two floors.

On the main floor there will be a new, expanded Ponoka Jubilee Library as well as a learning centre that Campus Alberta Central (CAC) is interested in establishing.

The learning centre would offer access to new post-secondary education programs and courses.

Construction of the new Care Home is also underway on the northwest corner of the site.

The 5,000-square-foot care home is being built by the Lacombe Action Group for the Handicapped and will accommodate up to eight individuals.

Construction is anticipated to be completed later this year and is expected to generate employment for up to 50 people.

Other proposed development plans for the old hospital site include one acre of open park space, a walking trail connecting 51 Street and 50 Street, and potential for a future office or residential development of up to three storeys in the southeast corner of the five-acre site. 

More information on the development can be found on the Town website at www.ponoka.ca

(Gary McKinnon – The Town of Ponoka)