Ponoka Mayor Rick Bonnett. (Town of Ponoka/YouTube)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

current aid "not enough"

Town of Ponoka urges more provincial help for rural small businesses

May 15, 2021 | 3:01 PM

The Town of Ponoka is calling on the provincial government to increase funding for small rural businesses affected by COVID-19 restrictions.

The town contends the impacts have been much greater on small businesses in rural communities specifically.

“The financial assistance programs currently being offered to small rural businesses in Alberta are not enough. And these funding programs should be administered at the municipal level because we know our businesses and our communities best,” said Mayor Rick Bonnett in a video posted Friday.

Councillor Clayton Nelson added, “We applaud our small businesses in Ponoka for doing their part to help fight this pandemic (by closing their doors to indoor dining). But now they need the provincial government to do its part to help them survive the impact of these restrictions on their bottom line.”

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Bonnet said it’s a real possibility that many businesses will be forced to shut their doors for good, whereas businesses in larger centres still have access to hundreds of thousands of people despite being restricted to take-out only.

“That’s not the case in small towns like Ponoka where our largest tourist attraction, the Ponoka Stampede, will likely either be majorly scaled back or possibly cancelled again this year,” he said.

“Losing two or three businesses to the financial impacts of COVID has an enormous impact on rural communities compared to larger cities whose tax base consists of many more businesses.”

Bonnett encourages Ponoka residents to shop local as much as possible to support local businesses trying to get through the pandemic.

Council members also thank health care workers, children who are schooling at home, and all residents who continue to follow provincial health restrictions.

“You are truly heroes in our community, and your efforts are making a difference,” said Councillor Carla Prediger. “Please continue to support each other, be kind and understanding to each other, and we will get through this together.”