There may be some possibility of growth and development at the Ponoka Industrial Airport after the province recently granted the Town of Ponoka and Ponoka County $148,000 to plan for its future.
Mayor Rick Bonnett said since the town and county have been working together on this project, funding has become more readily available.
“It’s all about municipalities working together,” the mayor said.
This grant will help both municipalities and the Ponoka Airport Commission develop a business plan, a governance model and an area structure plan and land use bylaw for the airport, which is starting to see demand from pilots.
“We’ve got a lot of people wanting to put leases out at the airport,” said Bonnett.
One of the areas town councillors are eager to see expanded is the airport, which boasts a streamlined customs and immigration clearance program.
Ponoka is part of the Canadian Passenger Accelerated Service System (CANPASS) and is one of four airports of entry for private and corporate permit holders, according to the Canada Border Services Agency. The Calgary and Edmonton International Airports are still the main airports of entry for Alberta.
The other airports are the Calgary/Springbank Airport, Warner Airport and Milk River Airports, both south of Lethbridge.
“This council believes this airport’s part of our vital growth,” explained Bonnett.
He wants to see a busy airport with full hangars, one with an enhanced runway to meet the needs of charter flights. “It’s about just growing the area and the services that come with it,” he added.
Bonnett was pleased to see a lot of activity at the airport during Ponoka Stampede week and he suggests this could be possible with a proper governance model that both municipalities can work with.
The 70-acres of land where the airport is situated on is owned by the Town of Ponoka and is surrounded by Ponoka County land.