Ponoka

The council meeting addressed several significant items, including the amendment of a land use bylaw following a public hearing and the approval of a communication plan regarding committee code of conduct updates related to provincial legislation. New policies were adopted for access to information and privacy protection, as well as flag and lighting displays. Sponsorships were approved for a local charity brunch and a chamber of commerce pancake breakfast. Additionally, the council directed administration to express concerns regarding potential impacts of new provincial legislation on municipal governance and library services. Other key actions included the adoption of an adaptation and sustainability action plan, rescheduling of future council and priority meetings, and the acceptance of the annual report and correspondence regarding a health foundation donation.

The Council approved the Tax Rate Bylaw for 2026, encompassing municipal tax increases and the collection of provincial education, housing, and industrial taxes. Decisions were made regarding travel funding for a health professions conference, the rescission of the Council Appointed Boards and Committees Code of Conduct policy, and the proclamation of Alberta Rural Health Week. Council also addressed sponsorship requests for physician recruitment and a memorial golf tournament, and finalized requirements for the tax recovery auction process, including setting an auction date and reserve bid. Additionally, correspondence regarding prolific offender charges was received, along with reports from the Parkland Regional Library System, and a notice of motion was submitted regarding communications for committees.

Council reviewed the Travel and Subsistence Reimbursement Policy, accepting the unaudited operating and capital statements for December 2025. Attendance was approved for various 2026 conferences and education sessions, and a sponsorship package was granted to the Ponoka Area Minor Football Association. The council reviewed fire statistics, received correspondence regarding justice reform and the criminal code, and accepted a notice of motion concerning the Land Use Bylaw. Additionally, the council updated the appraised fair market values for specific surplus lands.

The Council discussed a funding request from STARS and directed administration to include it in the 2026 budget. The Administration Rates and Fees Bylaw was updated to address GST exemptions and legislative changes regarding information and privacy acts. Council approved the 2025 Code of Conduct Regulation Annual Compliance Report and denied a request for partial property tax refunds on multiple properties. The Council reviewed reports on 2025 collections and write-offs, received a correspondence from the Mayor to the Minister of Justice regarding criminal activity and criminal code reform, and reviewed Rimoka Housing Foundation meeting minutes. In a closed session, the Council authorized the sale of two town-owned properties.

Council approved the Purchasing Cards Policy to streamline financial transactions, adopted the 2025 audited financial statements, and passed the 2026 Final Operating and Capital budgets totaling $39.6 million. Additionally, the Council approved the first reading of Land Use Bylaw Amendment No. 03-2026, set a date for a public hearing, and proclaimed Seniors' Week and National Public Works Week. The Council also approved the first reading of the 2026 Tax Rate Bylaw and made adjustments to the 2026 Final Budget during a closed session to maintain the proposed property tax increase.