Skip to content

Calnash Ag Event Centre looking for solutions to rising utility costs

Ponoka County council briefs from Dec. 13, 2022
31597804_web1_210120-PON-CalnashUtilities_1
The Calnash Ag Event Centre. (File photo)

With the retirement of Calnash Ag Event Centre managers Dennis and Joyce Pugh, an interim manager has been hired on a three-month trial.

PAECS is looking for ways to increase their revenue to offset the high cost of utilities.

During Ponoka County council’s regular meeting on Dec. 13, Coun. Doug Weir said the cost of utilities is an issue that needs to be addressed for both the Ponoka and Rimbey ag event buildings.

Coun. Nancy Hartford suggested the county request the financial statements for the Rimbey AgRim Centre as she had been unable to attend the AGM.

Interim budget

Council voted to adopt the current 2022 budget as the interim budget for 2023 until budget deliberations can be completed in March, 2023.

Ponoka Seed Cleaning Plant

Coun. Bryce Liddle said the Ponoka Seed Cleaning Plant reported revenue was down at their annual general meeting, due to the lack of seed.

The board was considering options to make the plant more feasible for larger trucks.

Regionalization of community services

There was general discussion regarding regionalization of community services. This would negatively affect home care and the senior services being provided through the FCSS’s and the Rimoka Foundation.

Crime prevention

Coun. Nancy Hartford attended the Industry Crime Watch meeting in Leslieville and noted the Alberta Community Crime Prevention Association conference would be held in May in Edmonton.

Calumet Synergy AGM

Darcy Allen with the Farmer’s Advocate Office attended the Calumet Synergy annual general meeting to discuss renewable resources and reclamation.

Home Care

Coun. Mark Matejka advised that AHS would announce who would get the Home Care contracts in early January. Ponoka FCSS was also waiting for grant approval to purchase the new handi-vans.

Rimbey library

The Rimbey Municipal Library’s proposed 2023 budget showed an increase of $4,833 over 2022. They were requesting the same increase from the Town of Rimbey.

Council approved a grant of $52,654 toward the library, with the balance of the request to be considered during budget deliberations.

Rimbey FCSS

Rimbey Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) requested of $23,803 for the budget. The amount had not increased in several years. Council approved the amount unanimously.

It was also noted during the meeting that two members at large would be retiring and would need to be replaced in 2023.