Despite decreases in its population over the last 15 years, Ponoka County remains stable with it growth and development.
“The last three years have been pretty consistent,” said development officer Tom Webber.
The county received approximately 200 development applications per year and since January of 2014 some 150 have come in. “So we’re a little ahead of the pace,” said Webber.
Around the north end of Gull Lake, there is a steady stream of recreational development. “That’s still fairly strong,” said Webber.
In response, Ponoka County had to expand its Crestomere shop in order to keep up with demand. “That’ll be an important spot to service this area,” said Webber.
In the west end of the county, oil and gas also remains strong, with a major part attributed to the Rimbey oil and gas plant.
Acreage development is also strong as people make the move out of town limits. “There’s quite an inventory of residential lots out there,” said Webber.
Webber says there have not been any new development trends in the county, though that could change in the future with medical marijuana now allowed under direct control.
“Our focus as a county is number one agriculture,” said Webber.