Ponoka town council approves 2022 Interim Budget

51 Avenue Redevelopment: Between 50 and 51 Street, including underground, surface infrastructure and streetscape improvements;
Pavement and Concrete Improvement Program: The annual program includes ongoing maintenance, improvement and replacement of Town roadways, sidewalks, curbing and gutter structures throughout Ponoka;
Enhancement of 49 Street Parking Lot and Trail Connection: This is part of the Town’s multi-year trail improvement program, which will improve user experience and access to the Battle River Valley trail system;
Aquaplex Improvements: Will include upgrades to the wading pool and hot tub mechanical systems, as well as installation of a new slide in the deep tank, and replacement of the primary air handling unit which has reached the end of its life cycle;
Arena Complex Upgrades: Include replacement of the heating system in the bleachers and LED light upgrades in the lobby and dressing rooms;
Tennis Court Facility Resurfacing: Crack repairs and resurfacing of the courts will increase the life span of the facility. The pickle ball and tennis court lines will also be repainted;
Dog Park Design Project: The design and costing will be developed for a new dog park that would be located on recently acquired land along 49 Street. Construction of the new park would occur pending future budget approval;
Sports Fields Improvements: Upgrades will include bleacher replacements, dugout repairs, and shale and fencing repairs to ball diamonds and sports fields in the river valley on 46 Street;
Wastewater Treatment Facility: Planning and analysis will be completed to guide future facility improvements;
Waste Transfer Station Upgrades: Upgrades will include a new chemical storage facility, security improvements, and an improved operational layout of the site for increased safety and efficiency;
Park Design Improvements: This includes the Lions Centennial Park, as well as an expanded multi-use skateboard park. Public consultation is planned in the New Year;
Civic Plaza Design Development: At 48 Avenue and 51 Street, a new civic plaza design would offer a central downtown gathering space for citizens. This project is based on recommendations in Ponoka’s Downtown Action Plan and Recreation Master Plan. Public consultation is planned in 2022;
Upgrades to RCMP Building: Will include interior improvements to fixtures, the ceiling and special use areas; and
Citizen Satisfaction Survey: A statistically representative survey that measures citizen satisfaction with Town services, priorities and quality of life in Ponoka will be conducted to support informed decision making by council and Town administration.

Officials say the 2022 Interim Capital Budget aligns with the results of the Town’s annual public consultation process, which once again included Coffee with Council events, a virtual Budget Consultation Open House and a Citizen Input Survey. The top priorities identified by the 72 citizens who completed the Citizen Input Survey include:

Quality of Life, which includes improvements to Town infrastructure, recreation facilities and walking trails in the Town of Ponoka;
Growth and economic health;
Governance and service excellence, which includes fiscal responsibility; and
Relationships, which includes actively engaging with residents and stakeholders through initiatives, such as the Citizen Input Survey.

“Council took the survey results into consideration and addressed these priorities in the 2022 Interim Capital Budget through projects, such as improvements to the river valley trail system, planning for a new dog park, upgrades to the Arena and Aquaplex, ongoing improvements to roads and sidewalks throughout Ponoka and planning for improvements to the town’s Wastewater Treatment Facility and Waste Transfer Station,” said Lund.

She notes a new sportsplex (community wellness centre) continues to be a priority in the Town’s Strategic Plan to support future community growth.

by rdnewsNOW Staff

Ponoka town council approves 2022 Interim Budget

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