Youth leaders and elected officials with the town and county of Ponoka got to know each other a little better last week during a tour of the Ponoka Youth Centre (PYC).
Representing the Town of Ponoka was Mayor Rick Bonnett and Coun. Loanna Gulka and for Ponoka County, councillors Nancy Hartford and Bryce Liddle were given tours of the centre. Also Peggy Makofka with Rimbey FCSS attended.
As guests to the centre, visitors were able to ask questions of the teenagers who are part of youth leadership programs.
“It’s a way to show them what we do here and it’s a safe place to hang out,” said Melissa Wilson, a leader in one of the programs.
Wilson explained how she has a mentor but also mentors a young student. She feels there are many opportunities for youth in Ponoka at the centre. At the end of the tour, all five visitors met in an informal setting to hear questions from the youths.
One question related to how land can be made available for recreation such as a motocross track. Coun. Liddle replied that Ponoka County is working on a Highway 2 corridor plan for future development and Coun. Gulka said that the town does have land annexed but most of it is privately owned.
The question of the motocross track came up more than once and Mayor Bonnett suggested getting any kind of project off the ground starts with a plan. “It comes down to raising funds for it.”
There was a question on how the town spends money. A youth pointed out that they hear many times how the there is no money for capital projects but they see odd projects being conducted.
Bonnett replied that councillors must share taxes and government grants among many projects within the town but if youths bring enough interest something such as a motocross track, then councillors can help steer them in the right direction. “The sky’s the limit when it comes to fundraising.”
“You start the drive and we’ll back you…It has to come from the grassroots,” added Bonnett.
Town council has recently been asked to support the PYC financially and one person asked why the Town of Ponoka does not support the centre. Bonnett said councillors still must discuss how they will do that. “You have to understand that money is very tight.”
Gulka concluded by saying that while councillors do not always agree on decisions, she feels the best way to handle issues is to be respectful.