Last year, the citizens of Ponoka said the top priorities for the Town were addressing recreation needs within the community. 

The Town responded by investing in the maintenance and renewal of recreation facilities with upgrades to the Aquaplex, arena, and approved preliminary design for a new recreation complex. 

This year, Ponoka residents will again have a say in where their tax dollars are going, as the town launched an online Citizen Budget Survey, and hosted an open house last night at the Kinsmen Community Center. 

Mayor of Ponoka Rick Bonnet says these open houses started when their current government was elected, and their idea was to ensure citizens had a say in where their tax dollars were going.

“Three years ago, or four years ago now when we got elected, we wanted to make sure that the public had some input into the budget discussions, and everything that goes on because we are spending tax payer money all the time, and they have the right to at least have some input into what we are doing, where we are going, and how we are going to spend it.”

This is what a few people said, when asked where they'd like to see their tax dollars go.

“I think we need some industrial to go do our streets a little better”.

“If I’m going to invest my tax dollars I would have no issue paying more money to have better recreational facilities.”

“I thought it was important to have good services, because that’s the most important part of how we live here. Sewer, water, fire, police.”

“Well I would absolutely love to see them go to the library. The library functions currently as a community hub for Ponoka.” 

You have until October 1st to fill out the budget survey. 

It asks 10 questions that provide Ponoka residents with the opportunity to offer opinions and input on matters and key priorities they would like to see addressed by the Town Council in the upcoming budget, and how they would like to see their tax dollars allocated.  

The Budget Survey is available at the Town Office, the Ponoka Visitor information Centre, the Ponoka Aquaplex, the arena, and online.