Ponoka town council finalizes 2026 budget

“While council worked very hard to keep property taxes as low as possible, we are once again frustrated to learn that the provincial government – for the second year in a row – has increased the education tax by 11 per cent for Ponoka residents. Last year, they increased it by 10.8 per cent. That results in a significant increase to the annual property tax bill that residents receive from the Town,” said Ponoka Mayor Kevin Ferguson.

The Mayor added that the town is required to collect the education tax as part of the overall property tax bill on behalf of the provincial government. However, the town doesn’t keep any of it and it’s sent to the province.

“When residents get their property tax bill, they tend to just look at the total amount owing,” Mayor Ferguson said. “Council wants them to know that roughly a quarter of the increase in their residential property taxes is due to the education tax increase, and more than a third of the increase in non-residential property taxes is due to the education tax.”

Some of the operating, capital and infrastructure projects funded by the 2026 Budget include:

Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements – The Town is planning major upgrades to its wastewater treatment facility to be completed in phases to meet new provincial regulatory requirements and position the Town for future growth.
Highway 53 Improvements – The Town is working in partnership with Alberta Transportation and Economic Corridors to complete Highway 53 improvements in Ponoka. This will include upgrades to the 46 Street intersection (paving, concrete, signal lights, lighting, underground utility and electrical work, and realignment of that intersection) and connecting the trail along Highway 53 to the river valley trail system at 46 Street.
Ponoka’s Annual Roadway Improvement Program – This provides annual maintenance and improvement of Town roadways and sidewalks throughout the community.
Waterworks System Improvements – This includes storm sewer system maintenance, sanitary sewer maintenance and planning for future replacement of the Town’s sanitary trunk main to ensure optimum operational efficiency and reliability of the system.
Wi-Fi Installation at Outdoor Facilities – This will provide facility users with free Wi-Fi access at Lions Centennial Park, the ball diamonds behind the Ponoka Arena Complex and the soccer fields at Lucas Heights, which is needed to continue attracting provincial tournaments to these facilities.

The 2026 budget aligns with the results of the town’s annual public consultation process, which unveiled the top three priorities as infrastructure, recreation, and community safety.

“Citizen input is a critical part of the budget planning process,” Ferguson added.

The public input gathered also were considered and addressed in the 2026 budget through ongoing upgrades and improvements to town infrastructure, including roads and sidewalks throughout Ponoka; completion of trail improvements along Highway 53; and continued ongoing investment in protective services to support public safety in partnership with the Ponoka RCMP.

“I think this budget does a very good job of balancing the needs of our community while positioning Ponoka for continued growth and success.”

by rdnewsNOW staff

Ponoka town council finalizes 2026 budget

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