Tim Schmidt

The Council meeting covered several significant topics, including a presentation of the Ponoka County Regional Fire Services' 2025 calls for service statistics for the Town of Ponoka. Council passed motions to reappoint two individuals to the Ponoka Jubilee Library Board for specified terms. A Notice of Motion was tabled requiring Administration to examine the opportunity for a Navigation Pop-Up Centre in Ponoka. Correspondence items accepted included requests to address traffic concerns along 45 Avenue, acknowledgment of an operating grant to the Ponoka Drop-In Centre, and a congratulatory letter to Mamawi Atosketan Native School regarding the 2026 Zayed Sustainability Prize. Information items accepted included the minutes from the Family & Community Support Services Board and the North Red Deer River Water Services Commission meetings. Following a Closed Session, Town Council ratified a two-year collective agreement with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 254 for the period spanning January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027.

The council meeting included a STARS presentation, discussion and passing of Bylaw 10-2025 regarding utility rates for 2026, Bylaw 11-2025 addressing the Electrical Distribution Tariff, and Bylaw 16-2025 amending the Regulated Rate Tariff Bylaw. Council also passed the Residential New Build Incentive, Major Home Renovation Incentive, and Commercial New Build Incentive bylaws. Appointments and reappointments were made to the Community Enhancement Committee. A council member was appointed to the Ponoka Rising Sun Clubhouse Society Board of Directors. Updates were made to the Administration Rates & Fees Bylaw 12-2025. The 2026 Interim Operating & Capital Budget was approved, along with the Three-Year and Five-Year Financial Plans. The contract for electrical supplier rates for Town facilities was awarded to Alberta Municipalities. Correspondence items regarding downtown lighting and sidewalk construction were discussed. The town received notification of approval for an Administrator Intern for 2026.

The Council approved the meeting dates, authorized a grant funding application for Wastewater Treatment Facility Headworks Improvements, and approved a Notice of Motion to explore Country Residential designations. They also directed Administration to look into crosswalk markings and negotiate an Offer to Purchase for surplus properties. Furthermore, the council passed the first reading of Bylaw 16-2025, and approved first reading for several incentive programs and Bylaw 11-2025. Additionally, they approved first reading of Bylaw 10-2025 Utility Rates, approved a donation to the Ponoka Community Christmas Dinner, and accepted the Town of Ponoka Holiday Hours, Christmas Management Plan and Employee Recognition Plan as information. A Notice of Motion was made to explore having a Council representative sit on the Ponoka Rising Sun Clubhouse board.

The Council approved a Notice of Motion to explore reducing the town speed limit to 40 kms/hour, excluding playground and school zones. Administration was directed to review 48 Avenue near Ponoka Elementary School for safety and traffic calming measures, in collaboration with school officials. The Council also approved exploring ideas for an interactive play space in Central Park that maintains the park's aesthetic. The Bike Registry Program report was accepted, which is a joint effort between the Town of Ponoka and the RCMP to launch a free online bike registry for citizens. Administration was also directed to explore the possibility of country residential designations in the Town of Ponoka, as well as crosswalk markings around the community, specifically around playground areas, intersections, and a potential veterans' crosswalk by the Ponoka Legion.

The Council meeting included the swearing in of the Mayor and Councillors, appointments to Council Standing Committees, and approval of the Deputy Mayor Schedule for 2025-2029. Council approved dates for the next two regular Council meetings and the next Priorities and Initiatives meeting in November. The council directed Town Administration to consider lighting the tree in front of the Ponoka Drop-In Centre as part of the Town's Christmas Tree Lighting Program. The Parkland Regional Library Board 2026 Proposed Budget was approved. Council accepted a letter from the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada regarding Bill C-14. Notices of Motion were submitted to look into reducing the speed limit, consider traffic calming measures on 48 Avenue, and explore ideas for an interactive play space for Central Park.