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By rdnewsNOW staff

Infrastructure Improvemnets

Ponoka wraps up successful construction season

Nov 20, 2025 | 1:40 PM

Another busy construction season has wrapped up in Ponoka, as numerous roadways, sidewalks and other community improvement projects have been completed over the past several months.

Town officials say extensive improvements to the Highway 53 Corridor in Ponoka (between Highway 2A and 38 Street) were completed this year in partnership with Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors. The town says additional work is planned in 2026.

Improvements completed in 2025 include:

• Pavement resurfacing and concrete repairs between Highway 2A and 38 Street;
• Paving of trails along the north side of the highway between Highway 2A and 50 Street;
• Stormwater infrastructure upgrades;
• New streetlighting and tree lighting;
• Installation of trees;
• New pedestrian flashers and intersection improvements at 45 Avenue;
• The closure of 54 Street access at Highway 53; and
• Fencing and landscaping.

The following work will be completed in 2026:

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• Upgrades to the 46 Street intersection on Highway 53, including paving, concrete, lighting and realignment of that intersection. The town says these improvements will require trenching and excavation to complete underground electrical work and utility relocation, which is why work is scheduled for spring 2026 rather than in 2025;
• The trail connection to 46 Street;
• Remaining landscaping between 50 Street and 46 Street;
• Light poles from 46 Street to 38 Street;
• Wayfinding signage.

Town officials say the Highway 53 Improvement Project is expected to be fully completed in 2026. For more information, please visit the Town’s website at Ponoka.ca/p/highway-53

2025 Road and Sidewalk Improvements

Officials say numerous other improvements to roadways and sidewalks have been completed this year throughout the Town of Ponoka:

• Paving, concrete and sidewalk replacement and repairs at numerous locations throughout the Town of Ponoka.
• Micro-surfacing on the following roadways:
• 57 Avenue between 60 Street and 63 Street;
• 46 Street between 50 Avenue and Highway 53;
• Street between 48 Avenue and 53 Avenue
• 54 Street between Highway 2A and 63 Avenue;
• 53 Avenue between 60 Street and 54 Avenue; and
• 53 Avenue between 60 Street and 62 Street.

The town says micro-surfacing is a proven and cost-effective treatment that extends the life of a roadway. Officials say the coating preserves the underlying pavement by preventing oxidization and moisture penetration. This process is said to prolong the life of the road by slowing down ongoing deterioration. According to officials, this helps the Town of Ponoka keep roadways in good condition and maximize the pavement lifecycle.

Town Facilities and Infrastructure Improvements

Officials say numerous other improvements and upgrades have been completed to Town infrastructure, parks and recreation facilities during the 2025 construction season, including:

• Grand Opening of the Multi-Use Skate Park in Downtown Ponoka (4515 50 Street). Town officials say the new expanded facility is designed for multi-use equipment, including skateboards, bicycles, inline skates and scooters. Following extensive public consultation, the expanded skate park features a 38-metre long skate run, vert and pyramid ramps and landscaped gathering and seating areas.

• Ponoka Aquaplex Improvements which are part of a multi-year modernization plan that began in 2020. In 2025, these improvements included:

• A complete renovation and modernization of the changerooms (new flooring, tiles, fixtures, vanities and freshly painted walls);
• The installation of a new water filtration system and replacement of all filters that have reached the end of their lifecycle. The water filtration system controls water clarity and chemistry in the pools; and
• Painting throughout the facility.

• A new 18-hole Disc Golf Course at Riverside Rotary Park (3712 45 Street). Thanks to Ponoka Arts, Recreation and Culture Society (PARCS) who donated $15,000 to build a year-round disc golf course.

• Sanitary sewer line spot repairs on 54 Avenue between 50 Street and 52 Street.

“It’s been an exciting year with many upgrades happening throughout our community,” said Ponoka Mayor Kevin Ferguson, in a press release. “The extensive improvements to Rodeo Drive (Highway 53) are especially exciting. As a major gateway to our downtown and to our largest tourist attraction, the Ponoka Stampede, these improvements will drive long-term economic growth for our community,” added Ferguson.