Ponoka held a busy open house last night for the newly proposed community learning centre and many residents are thrilled.

Private developer Landrex Incorporated has purchased the old Ponoka hospital and is planning on leasing out space to the Town and Campus Alberta Central.

CAC is a joint venture between Olds College and Red Deer College and is established in over 21 rural communities, allowing access to post secondary education.

Local Resident and Business Owner, Greg Braat says this is something the community needs "I think a lot of people struggle with the expense of post secondary education.  Having to commute from Ponoka to Red Deer, Edmonton and further afield than that, this is just a perfect situation for people who want to get post secondary, maybe stay local or get post secondary and be able to move on".

The new proposal will also allow the Town to have its administrative offices and council chambers in one place, along with being a centre for the community, showcasing art work and housing a public library.

Currently the Town's Cheif Administrative Officer is in the process of negotiating a lease which will be brought back for review and discussion.