A recent request to review the Town of Ponoka’s policy for camping on the ball diamonds shows it is not allowed.
Information in the traffic bylaw presented to town council during Tuesday, March 24 regular meeting states operation or parking of vehicles is not allowed on playgrounds or parks.
The CAO can, however, designate areas with proper signage. Coun. Carla Prediger said she did not feel the traffic bylaw properly covers what council requested but Dave McPhee, director of operations and property services for the Town of Ponoka, said that any time vehicles are considered, they fall under the traffic act, necessitating it comes under the traffic bylaw.
Having vehicles or campers parking in the parks for an event also raises liability issues, explained Betty Quinlan, director of corporate services. She said it is important to support economic development, but there are other places people could camp.
“I personally look at it, we have a beautiful campground in town,” she said.
Mayor Rick Bonnett said the town’s traffic bylaw is being reviewed by council and changes could be made to accommodate different needs.
Coun. Teri Underhill questioned how this bylaw affected parking during the Ponoka Stampede week but Coun. Loanna Gulka suggested the CAO may have allowed parking in restricted areas during those times.
Council directed administration to compare neighbouring municipalities’ bylaws.
Town adopts National Health and Fitness Day
Mark the first Saturday in June as National Health and Fitness Day in Ponoka.
Town council made the decision after Wetaskiwin MP Blaine Calkins sent a letter seeking the town’s support of the day.
Wes Amendt, director of community services, told councillors that the Ponoka Youth Centre uses that day for its Capital One Race for Kids campaign.