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EDB seeks new initiatives to benefit the town

Town council is working closely with the Economic Development Board (EDB) after receiving recommendations for new initiatives.

Town council is working closely with the Economic Development Board (EDB) after receiving recommendations for new initiatives.

One recommendation from the EDB to town council at its Tuesday, June 23 regular meeting held at the Hudson Green Nature and Activity Centre related to young entrepreneurs in the Town of Ponoka.

Mayor Rick Bonnett relayed the recommendation to allow a young business person – under 18 years of age – to obtain a business permit from the town for $10, rather than the regular amount of $125.

“Anybody under the age of 18 should be looked at for this program,” said Bonnett.

The goal is to introduce an EDB member to the young entrepreneur program to help guide them in their new business goals, explained Bonnett.

A second recommendation from the EDB asked the town to explore an electrical distribution modality similar to that of the City of Lacombe, which is believed to give the city the rights to sell the electricity, said Bonnett.

A presentation would be made from the city’s economic development officer to council to show how it works, explained Coun. Carla Prediger.

Prediger said this request from the EDB is similar except council would just receive information on Lacombe’s system most likely during a committee of the whole meeting.

The last request from the EDB involved the establishment of a utilities committee. The EDB expressed its wish to be part of that committee and is interested in its development.

Council voted in favour of the first two requests and accepted the last as information.

Proposed changes to electrical distribution

Council had already made a motion to administration at the same meeting to seek other ways of earning money through the town’s electrical system. That request came from Bonnett after hearing about potential changes to the town’s electrical distribution tariff. Bonnett wants administration look at the possibility of the town becoming the owner of the electrical distribution system.

The Town of Ponoka is an electrical wire owner and is also considering changing its policy on wire installation to a business. The proposal states there may be some investment required from the town and a business when installing a new line.

This will ensure there is some cost recovery on the infrastructure. Council passed first reading on the proposed changes.

Town looking at potential of gas distribution

Before council passes first reading of the ATCO Gas franchise agreement, council is looking at the potential of owning gas distribution in the Town of Ponoka.

Representatives of ATCO Gas met with council Tuesday, June 16 during the Committee of the Whole meeting and explained new changes to the franchise agreement. Council was presented with a request to approve first reading on these changes during its regular meeting.

However, Bonnett made the motion for the town to look into the possibility of owning the gas distribution system before making any decisions on the request.

While the agreement with ATCO Gas has expired, the company is honouring the previous agreement with the town until a new one is approved. Bonnett feels there is some time for the town to investigate the request before passing first reading.

Council approved the motion by Bonnett to have a research conducted on the matter.