New helipad opens at Ponoka care facility

A new helipad is now in service at Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre, and officials say it’s become a reality thanks to an ambitious community-led fundraising campaign.

According to a news release from Alberta Health Services, the project was led by a community helipad committee chaired by Cam Rice, with committee members Peter Hall and Jason Cline.

Working with Alberta Health Services (AHS), the Ponoka and District Health Foundation (PDHF), and local service groups and businesses, they made possible a community investment of $448,000, including $348,000 in donations and $100,000 in gifts-in-kind.

“This initiative demonstrates what can be achieved when community partners come together with a shared goal of supporting local healthcare,” says Katherine Steblyk, chair of the Ponoka and District Health Foundation. “We are proud to have supported this effort and worked alongside the helipad committee and local partners to help bring it to completion.”